HOT HOT H.E.A.T

Isn't this how we picture December and Christmas? Can you believe it's December tomorrow? Only 24 days to Christmas Eve. I did get a good Christmas feeling yesterday at the Rosersbergs castle though. If I could wish for anything it would be some snow then but only a little so it gets lighter. Today I went to a podiatrist to get my feet nice, the nails cut and a little massage of feet and legs. It started out well but then she was at my little toe and slipped with the scalpel thus cutting me. It started bleeding like h..l and it wouldn't stop. She tried all sorts of things and she did sterilised the wond the best she could and also put on a pressure bandage. She then continued with everything else and at the end she removed the bandaged and it started bleeding again. I don't want to go to the hospital because I'm sure they won't do anything. She put on another bandage so now my little toe is not so little anymore :-) and it's hard to walk since the shoe doe...

The julbord at Rosersberg's castle The Juno wing What a wonderful 1st Advent this has been. Sleeping in until 8.00, coming down to readymade breakfast :-) Hasse and I sat and ate breakfast for an hour while reading the paper and chatting. A very nice way to start the day. At 1.25 we fetched Jonas at his home and drove him to the trainstation. He was going back to Borlänge and the recording. He and two of the other guys had leave this weekend so they could go home. Their album is coming along great he says and I'm so happy for them. Then straight to Rosersberg's castle and there we met our good friends Kitte and Janne and walked up to the courtyard. The road was lined with cressets showing the way. It was a very foggy day and although it was just 2 o'clock when we arrived it was nice to see them lights. When we left they were quite necessary. Then up to the "Miss Wing" or the "young ladies wing". It was here the young unmarried ladies used to stay in ...

Yesterday me and my sister Helen went to see the musical Hairspray. It was Helen's birthdaygift to me. It all started with me getting my teeth fixed and polished. No cavity in any tooth :-) Then I took a strole through Kungsträdgården and then NK while I was waiting for Helen to come back after taking her dog home. Then we met at Berns for dinner. It was asiatic theme and very good 3-course meal. After that we went under the street (!) and reached the theatre which is situated just beside the restaurant. We were so looking forward to the musical which we had heard was hilarious. A bit into the first act people suddenly started to stand up just two rows in front of us. We thought, what are they doing in the middle of the act. They were blocking our view as well as everyone's behind us. First one woman stood up and a man went out of the row. Then another woman started to walk out as well. Of course their places were in the middle of that row so they had to pass many. The second w...

This is how I like Stockholm but this is not what I saw today (see below). What have I done today? I have been to Stockholm to meet with my coach and we talked for 2 hours. Very good and I got a lot to think of. We usually stray away a bit and found ourselves talking of something completely different but nevertheless interesting. After that back home and Hasse was kind to fetch me in Rotebro. Just before I left in the morning I said: Do you think I need an umbrella? And Hasse said No they said it wouldn't rain until tonight. So when I got out from my coach it was raining very heavily. So much for meterology :-( We had leftovers for lunch, a wonderful salmon with pressed potatoe and a dill/white winesauce. Still as good today. Nothing much happened just an ordinary Wednesday. Tomorrow it's Thanksgiving but we don't celebrate that in Sweden but I will see my friend Inger and then Emil is coming for dinner. No turkey but tacos is ordered :-) So I'll talk to you tomorrow an...

Guess where I would rather be? At home in the grey, rainy weather with no sunshine or at Huntington Beach (top photo) or Las Vegas (the photo with L'arc de trioumphe) It's already Monday and I thought I had written on Saturday but no, it was on Friday. So here's a recap of the weekend: Saturday did nothing really just the ordinary Melodikrysset, cleaning the house and enjoying the sunshine. Yesterday I went to Alby to visit Mom at the "home". She was quite good that is she was up and about and she could talk a little although it's getting harder and harder for her to find the words but also to keep the conversation. She start talking about something for in the middle of the sentence start talking about something completely different which makes it kind of hard to follow. But a good day and lots of laughter because she still has her humour :-) Afterwards I went to see Danniel and had a photoalbum with me from when he was very little. We looked at it together an...

I wonder if the week just consist of Monday and Friday? Because it's Monday then you blink and it's Friday. Has time always gone this fast I wonder? Did our grandparents also think that time goes by so fast? I wonder. They didn't have any computers, mobilephones, internet, TV. Maybe they had a radio. What did they do with all that time that we spend in front of our TV:s and computers? I can't help but wonder. What would my grandfather say if he suddenly would come here now? He was the most noble man and I really loved him. He used to read a lot both in Swedish and other languages. He always said that a woman should have education and not be depending or supported by a man. So he always encouraged me to study hard so that I would have that independence. He was really a man before his time and even though born in 1880 he was that imancipated. My Mom got to study graduate from college and university which wasn't very common in the 40's (for women). Today it's o...

I had the intention of taking photos of my visit to Falun but I ended up with just the ones you can see here. It's my room at the hotel. Rather nice room don't you think? Well, I came back late last night and only unpacked, talked for a while with Hasse telling him about the course and the stay and then headed to bed. The course was so good and I learnt a lot! My only regret is that I didn't think of this long before. I could have attended a lot more courses and thus being more competetive. Each course cost 8 000 SEK and then you have the cost for travel and lodging. It was also the most lovely group. We were 5 women and I was the only one from Stockholm. The other ones were "dalkullor" Dalecarlian women except one that came from Härjedalen. You know me, I'm not the one sitting quiet and not chatting so I found the girls very nice and we talked a lot. Last coffebreak we had I said: I'm so happy I ended up in a group with such wonderful women and also that ...

After a nice shower and breakfast I went to the education place which was a study at the library. Falun library is a big and very beautiful library with café, computers and of course lots of books. I really liked it. The weather is still the same. Grey, cloudy and between some rain.We are 5 girls at the course and we have had a lot of fun today. You wouldn't think of fun when you hear that it's a course in a program of bookkeeping but it is :-) We went to a wonderful place for lunch, Pitchers, which used to be a McDonalds but is now turned into a publike restaurant with library, open fireplace etc and very good food. I was so tired at one point today that I almost fell asleep. But you know I really have trouble working or studying for a whole day. I need my naps to cope. This morning at breakfast I read the local paper here, DalaDemokraten, and what did I see? Yes, an article about H.E.A.T recording their next album in Borlänge. Article about H.E.A.T Talk to you tomorrow.

Today at work I called a lot of chimney-sweepers about our education in order to be energy expert. I had a lot of very interesting and nice conversation. I was rather happy because I managed to answer all their questions but the one how you get ackredited. I transferred that question to Richard and he has already sent them mail that he can explain this to them. After work I went home for lunch which was leftovers from yesterday: Cod in dillsauce and mashed potatoes. Very good. Then packing the last things and off I went to Arlanda where I took the train for Falun. After 2 1/2 hours through a foggy,rainy and grey landscape I reached Falun. I actually took a cab to the hotel which wasn't that far from the station but it was raining pretty heave so I decided to go. When I came to the hotel the taxidriver wanted 60 SEK and I told him to take 70 SEK and gave him a 100 bill. Then he said he didn't have any change and do you know what he did? He gave me a 50 bill and said that was OK....

Yes, I'm back home again after 2 wonderful days together with other chairmen/women from the Rheumatic assocation. It's always nice to meet and discuss matters that are of interest in our association. We also have class today to learn more and get tips about our role as leaders. Yesterday evening we had dinner at 6.30. Not the best I've ever eaten I must say because the meat was so leathery and thus hard to chew. So no gourmetdinner. But after dinner we went up to the conference department and we had coffe when suddenly two Italian men started playing the theme from Mio my Mio. We had seen the loudspeakers, the keyboard and guitar but we had no idea what to expect. Then they presented Adele Li Puma and those of you that our Swedish I think know who she is. She is born in Sicily but lives in Sweden actually in Upplands Väsby! She sang the most beautiful Italian songs with help from one of the men. Everything from Volare to Gigi (oh I love that song). Then she had us all up da...

Although it's Friday the 13th tomorrow lets hope this doesn't happen. Nothing much happened today. I cleaned up my office and made it nice after the switch of rooms. Internet didn't work so I had to do other stuff like copying which isn't the most fun but needs to be done. In the afternoon I actually sat down and relaxed while Hasse saw to the car. Then we had a nice time both eating and then watching "A place in the sun". As usual I fell asleep after a while but hey we sat close anyway :-) Now it's time for bed and tomorrow I have some calls to do (for my job) and then off to the conference. I have taken one day vacation. Until tomorrow then (if I have the time to write)

Today was a happy day! Why? Because I went to see my coach and I really had this aha-moment which was great. Also yesterday I was thinking that I needed an education to be able to handle my work better. So I had done my research and had everything ready to present for my consultant. I first told my coach about the idea and she thought it was excellent and came with me when I presented it. My consultant immediately said yes and I was so happy. I think my coach was as happy :-) So what is this course I need you might ask. I will tell you then. It's a course to really know the economic computerprogram I'm workin in which is Visma SPCS and this particular program is Visma administration 500. I have never had proper training and is slowly learning myself but it's better to really learn and also get some tips and shortcuts. The Trygghetsstiftelse is paying for this and also travel and hotel which is great. Yes, of course the courses in Stockholm was full so I have to go outside a...

Today I got my own office at work :-) So now Richard and I won't be sitting in each others lap anymore, so to speak. Not my new office :-) but maybe the future office? After work I went to Farbror in Väsby center to have lunch with two former workmates. I had never been to Farbror, which is a restaurant, but it was nice and they had good food. We ate and chatted about other workmates and if they have new jobs or not. One of them hadn't but the other one had. We also knew about several that has new jobs but also quite a few that haven't been able to get a new one. It was nice to see them again and we decided we would try to go and have lunch together once a month. Tomorrow I'm going to see my coach again and I have now realized I need some more education! I hope TSN can pay for that. Since I'm only practising at my work I need more training in the economic program I work in. I have worked in it for some time but don't have proper training and there is a lot you m...

Great Monday. Back to work and my boss was back after a week of vacation, or rather sick vacation. He suspects he has had the swineflu. He was to see his doctor, I think today, so maybe we will know tomorrow. I'm so happy he has been home so I doesn't catch it and bring it home. I told you yesterday that Danniel did come because he was feeling sick. When I talked to him today he said he had fever but it had gone down now and I hope he's on his way to get well. After work I went to the Rheumatic assocation and we had jewelleryloppis. Each of us bring jewellery that we are tired of, never wear, maybe not suit anymore and display them. Then we set a very cheap price like 20-50 SEK for each item. As you understand it's not diamonds and gold we are dealing with but day-to-day wear and much in silver. This way everyone can afford to buy because you almost certainly sell and you get new nice things. A little bit like second hand but with jewelleries instead of clothes. For lun...

Today it's Father's Day here in Sweden and of course I have celebrated Hasse (although he's not my Dad but the boys aren't here in the morning). I got him 2 gift certificate, one to Clas Ohlsson and one to Dressman. That way he can choose himself what he wants to have :-) Jonas is soon coming over for dinner. Danniel called last night and had a bad cold or flu, don't know which one but his coughing didn't sound good. I hope he gets well soon. Emil, we don't know, he was here yesterday and said he didn't felt well either so we have to see if he comes. I'm anyway making tacos for dinner. It has been a long while since we ate that so I think we all will enjoy it. I make everything myself which makes it taste best (in my opinion). After that I will prepare for tomorrow. Workday and straight after work I'm going to a "smyckesloppis" (jewellery second hand) at the Rheumatic assocation. That should be a lot of fun. I get rid of things I'm...

Saturday and the day started with breakfast, some work and then Melodikrysset. Melodikrysset we do every Saturday between 10-11 AM. It's a music crossword on the radio and we love to solve it while having some coffee. We have been doing this for at least the last 5 years I think and we always send in the right answer but have we ever won? NO, never. Not even that time that we played "live" in Gotland. In the afternoon I had a talk with Jonas who was a bit irritated because he couldn't find his wallet. The last time he saw it was on Thursday. He had called the store where he last used it but they haven't found any. Also his computer was behaving badly and all the music for the new album was on it. So as the mother I am I went to the rescue :-) I had an extra backupharddrive of 220GB which I took with me and said he had to transfer all the songs to that one. So if his computer shuts down or crashes or have a virus he still will have all the songs left. Once there I ...

This morning I woke up with the most horrible headache. It was a very long time since I had a migraine-attack but this was it. When I went up I couldn't open my eyes because it hurt when I did. My neck pulsated with pain every step I took. But I went down anyway, took a shower, still with my eyes shut, did my makeup and now I had to open my eyes which really hurt. Then breakfast as usual: one egg, one cup of Roiboos tea, 1 slice dark bread with my homemade butter and a slice of cheese. And of course all my medicins but today I also took medicine for my migraine. Then I was off to work. It wasn't gone then but around 9.30 I did feel better and I was able to work more efficient. I had worked all the time, don't take me wrong, but then it was harder. It kind of disables you when you have these attacks. Now I'm fine and I think I need to take it easy this weekend but all of you who knows me also know how hard it is for me to do nothing. Speaking of something totally differe...

This Thursday started out with lots of snowing in the morning which gradually swifted to rain. I have just been out with Hilma for her latenightwalk and it was really pouring down. Otherwise kind of calm day. I went to the Rheumatic assocation where we packed the last dispatch for 2009. In this we included the program for the rest of the year and the start of 2010. Also invitation to the Christmas-party on December 12 and, very early, the invitation to come with us to Jurmala Spa in Latvia in May/June. We are inviting this early to give our members a chance to save up for the trip since it cost a bit of money. But on the other hand we get a lot for that money including 2 treatments a day. As usual I sat down to watch "A place in the sun" at 5.50PM and as usual I fell asleep and woke up at 7 :-) Now I'm still tired so it shouldn't be a problem sleeping (I hope). Tomorrow it's Friday and time for "fredagsmys" and Idol. Looking forward to that. Have a good ...

We didn't get this much today but this is taken outside our house just a year ago November 24. OK, now I'm officially tired of all these diseases I have to have! I can deal with and have dealt with Sjogren's syndrom, Fibromyalgia, IBS, reflux, migraine, whiplash, asthma, I might have forgotten something but you get the picture. But today I also found out I have KOL (COL) Cronic obstructive lungdisease which isn't a very good diagnose to have. I did smoke before but I stopped smoking January 6, 1997 and my doctor says that is like not having smoked because it has been so long that I should be restored. Hasse also have the diagnose KOL, he also has asthma and he has RA (Rheumatoid arthritis). From being totally healthy to having all this, you can understand his frustration. I am used to having constant pain in my head, neck, joints, stomach every day but some days are worse than others. One thing I think has been worse the last weeks is my fatigue. OK, I do a lot and I...

The question is very appropriate these days since the insurancecompany Folksam have decided to cut their collective so called funeralinsurance for everyone that once took out that insurance. My mother is one of those. Instead of receiving 21 000 SEK she will now only get 12 000SEK!!! Which isn't much and certainly doesn't cover the costs of a funeral. The thing is that she has been paying more than the 21 000 SEK over the years. I don't understand how that can be legal to do so but apparantly it is. Now Folksam is offering the effected people to take out another insurance to cover for this one?!?!? Are they totally out of their mind. So my question still is Do I need a funeralinsurance? I think I do. But I would never take one from Folksam. What else is new? I went to see my coach today something which is alway educating and nice. I learn a lot both about myself but also how to make a good impression in interview situations and also how to write the, almost, perfect CV. Now...

I wrote a lot yesterday and published it but suddenly today it's gone?!?!? What happens? Was it Halloween or is it the fullmoon? I don't know but it's kind of creepy.... I had written about the opera I went to on Saturday. Händel's Xerxes a barock-opera and I can really understand why it's called ba rock (baroque in English) . It's very sort of rock in the music. It's hard to sit still and you feel like moving and almost dancing. The scene was set in Iran during the 30s and with a very clever scenography. The orchestra was great and the singers fenomenal. So a very nice Saturday evening. I really think today's rockband could be inspired by the baroque music. Yesterday I went to Mom and really I wanted her and me to go to the grave. I had bought a gravecandle and a decoration (see photo). But when I came to the home for elderly she wasn't very good. She was laying in bed sleeping and was very confused when she woke up and didn't recognize me. I t...