I think I have figured out what is my normal life; moving!!
I am moving again and while doing that it struck me that since 1999 I haven't lived longer than one year in one single place!! Often moved more than once a year. (And even before 1999 I had movet quite a few times). It is completely sick! I don't know what's wrong with me!! No wonder I am sick and tired of moving!!
And this statistics doesn't include the shorter periods (like a couple of months) that I have been working abroad, nor the periods that I basically did not live anywhere but stayed at friend's places. Maybe it is time to get my act (and my things) togehter?!
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Summer Holiday Stress
Now I am approaching a problem that always comes up on me at this time of the year, and always because I don't have any long term planning of my life. That seems to be something I am just not able to do! The time has come to make the decisions on when to have summer holiday. My boss asked us to report before April 30. How the hell should I be able to know now when I want to have summer holiday?!? I have no idea what I will be doing this summer. How could I?!?! It is still months... I don't know what I do three weeks from now!!
What this will lead to in the end is that I hardly get any summer holiday at all as I get to choose from the days that are still available when all the others have made their choice. Not that it matters too much as I find it ok to work in the summer and then leave the country when it gets cold, dark and really shitty. But on the other hand, that was when I was living in places where I had friends outside work, with whom I could hang out on those light, warm summer nights in the city. Here might be a completely different thing...:-(
So; if there is anyone who still haven't made any plans for summer holiday and has suggestions that could include me, feel free to let me know! Or maybe even better; anyone up for a longer trip, far away in autumn or winter?? Then I can skip summer..;-)
What this will lead to in the end is that I hardly get any summer holiday at all as I get to choose from the days that are still available when all the others have made their choice. Not that it matters too much as I find it ok to work in the summer and then leave the country when it gets cold, dark and really shitty. But on the other hand, that was when I was living in places where I had friends outside work, with whom I could hang out on those light, warm summer nights in the city. Here might be a completely different thing...:-(
So; if there is anyone who still haven't made any plans for summer holiday and has suggestions that could include me, feel free to let me know! Or maybe even better; anyone up for a longer trip, far away in autumn or winter?? Then I can skip summer..;-)
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Small Town Aliens
Since I stated taking golf lessons I have actually spoken to several REAL Small Town-people. I mean, people who actually come from here. Not that I would say I have made new friends her, but at least chatted to. This has made me even more aware of how distanced we are from the town. When people ask me where I live, of course I can answer, but I realise the town has districts and areas with names that none of us know about. When we talk about the place we describe it or have some explanations that make sense to us, but probably not to the locals. It is weird!!
Good day at work!
Some days I like my job more than other days. Today was such a day. In a different way. Got to spend most of the day outside in the sunny beautiful spring weather. Did some GPS-navigation and got to drive 4W Land Cruiser (and eat rations for lunch..). Was fun! I think I was the only one who managed to get the vehicle over the ditch without scratching the underside!!
On the other hand this day means I will have to spend some hours working tonight, but it was worth it!
On the other hand this day means I will have to spend some hours working tonight, but it was worth it!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A Good Try?!
Ha ha, today The Small Town was mentioned in the tv-news. In a positive matter. Today The Small Town had the second highest temperature in the country!!
Well, it might not be much, but don't say I don't try to find something positive about the place...
Oh, there is another good thing with living in a small town. I can cycle to the golf course from the office in less than 20 minutes!! Although the golf course of cause is a bit outside the town and even on exaclty the opposite side from my office!!
On the other side, it did not really help that the weather was nice today! After work I had an errand on town, after that I would have liked to do something, but there is absoulutely nothing to do. All the shops close at six, and after that there is absolutely NOTHING open, not even a café, and there are no people around. Still haven't figures out what people do here...
Well, it might not be much, but don't say I don't try to find something positive about the place...
Oh, there is another good thing with living in a small town. I can cycle to the golf course from the office in less than 20 minutes!! Although the golf course of cause is a bit outside the town and even on exaclty the opposite side from my office!!
On the other side, it did not really help that the weather was nice today! After work I had an errand on town, after that I would have liked to do something, but there is absoulutely nothing to do. All the shops close at six, and after that there is absolutely NOTHING open, not even a café, and there are no people around. Still haven't figures out what people do here...
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
New Hobby?
Sometimes things happen fast. As today!
For quite some time I have been thinking about starting to play golf, but never got it going. Today I just called the local golf club as I beleive it is cheaper to start playing in The Small Town than in The City. I had checked their homepage first but it was not updated. When calling them the man said their course had just started.
- oh, that's a pity!
- how soon would you like to start?
- eh.., well..., as soon as possible I guess...
- what about today? Today is the first exercise(theory) on the course.
- eh..., well..., I guess today is as soon as possible, so... why not!!
I beleive that was a sign! So, today I had my first golf lesson!!
Cool!!
For quite some time I have been thinking about starting to play golf, but never got it going. Today I just called the local golf club as I beleive it is cheaper to start playing in The Small Town than in The City. I had checked their homepage first but it was not updated. When calling them the man said their course had just started.
- oh, that's a pity!
- how soon would you like to start?
- eh.., well..., as soon as possible I guess...
- what about today? Today is the first exercise(theory) on the course.
- eh..., well..., I guess today is as soon as possible, so... why not!!
I beleive that was a sign! So, today I had my first golf lesson!!
Cool!!
Monday, April 07, 2008
I've Found a Friend!!
I have found a friend!! In The Small Town!! And it is not a colleague!! And it is not in any way related to the previous posting!
Ok, it might not be as sensational as it sounds, as it is actually someone I know from before, but it is nevertheless very funny! I met with someone I worked with in Bangkok and who life brought here as well. Destiny certainly moves in mysterious ways!
The funny thing is that obviously we have been working out at the same gym the whole autumn and winter without recognising each other! Well, she thought I looked familiar and thought I might be me, but she just could not figure out what I would do in The Small Town. Not until a week ago, when I met with a friend I know from Bangkok and with whom I keep frequent contact, and she brought me to another of our colleagues from Bangkok who in turn knew that this first person also lives in The Small Town. With this piece of information we easily recognised each other when we met in the gym today! So funny!
Ok, it might not be as sensational as it sounds, as it is actually someone I know from before, but it is nevertheless very funny! I met with someone I worked with in Bangkok and who life brought here as well. Destiny certainly moves in mysterious ways!
The funny thing is that obviously we have been working out at the same gym the whole autumn and winter without recognising each other! Well, she thought I looked familiar and thought I might be me, but she just could not figure out what I would do in The Small Town. Not until a week ago, when I met with a friend I know from Bangkok and with whom I keep frequent contact, and she brought me to another of our colleagues from Bangkok who in turn knew that this first person also lives in The Small Town. With this piece of information we easily recognised each other when we met in the gym today! So funny!
Small Town Misery
I knew I should not have written that I had a nice weekend staying in The Small Town. It all hit back today.
Because of different reasons I will have to move the first of May. That is not so bad, as I never liked my apartment anyway, but still I have to find another one. Today I looked at two apartments. The first one was just depressing. It was small and dark and the house was rather run down and very close to the railway. The second one looked much better. It was bigger and lighter and completely newly renovated. But there was a reason for that. The landlord told me they had had some problems with the tenants in the house, but that they had now gotten rid of “most” of them and was ready to start anew with better tenants and therefore renovated the house all over. She also told me they would go over all the doors and fix them as well. All the doors had obvious marks from someone trying to break in! What worried me was the “most” of the bad tenants. How many are left? And how long will it take for all the junkie friends to understand their mates are not living in the house anymore?? No, that was not too inspiring!
On my way from the house I noticed a “Open” sign hanging from the other side of the house. So I understood that there had to be some kind of business in the basement. I had a little closer look to see what it was, maybe a hairdresser or something like that, but it looked very anonymous?! When I saw the sign on the window I read “Sex och Spex”. So, it seems to be a sex shop in the basement!! Great!!
Because of different reasons I will have to move the first of May. That is not so bad, as I never liked my apartment anyway, but still I have to find another one. Today I looked at two apartments. The first one was just depressing. It was small and dark and the house was rather run down and very close to the railway. The second one looked much better. It was bigger and lighter and completely newly renovated. But there was a reason for that. The landlord told me they had had some problems with the tenants in the house, but that they had now gotten rid of “most” of them and was ready to start anew with better tenants and therefore renovated the house all over. She also told me they would go over all the doors and fix them as well. All the doors had obvious marks from someone trying to break in! What worried me was the “most” of the bad tenants. How many are left? And how long will it take for all the junkie friends to understand their mates are not living in the house anymore?? No, that was not too inspiring!
On my way from the house I noticed a “Open” sign hanging from the other side of the house. So I understood that there had to be some kind of business in the basement. I had a little closer look to see what it was, maybe a hairdresser or something like that, but it looked very anonymous?! When I saw the sign on the window I read “Sex och Spex”. So, it seems to be a sex shop in the basement!! Great!!
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Nice Weekend
I actually had a really nice weekend in The Small Town!! I am surprised!
But then again, thinking of it; I really did not spend that much time in The Small Town. Friday I went out for after work in The Next Somewhat Bigger Town, and stayed over night there. It was a very weird, but funny evening by the way...
On Saturday I went with the same and another friend to another somewath bigger town, nearby. But as that town is east of The Small Town we just passed here to leave my car here. The purpose of this trip was to visit a big golf store. I believe it was a step in the process of getting me to start playing golf...
Ok, Saturday evening I spent at home, but being quite tired from the evening before I just watched a film and then went to bed. Today I went back to The Next Somewhat Bigger Town to go to the cinema. A nice weekend.
But then again, thinking of it; I really did not spend that much time in The Small Town. Friday I went out for after work in The Next Somewhat Bigger Town, and stayed over night there. It was a very weird, but funny evening by the way...
On Saturday I went with the same and another friend to another somewath bigger town, nearby. But as that town is east of The Small Town we just passed here to leave my car here. The purpose of this trip was to visit a big golf store. I believe it was a step in the process of getting me to start playing golf...
Ok, Saturday evening I spent at home, but being quite tired from the evening before I just watched a film and then went to bed. Today I went back to The Next Somewhat Bigger Town to go to the cinema. A nice weekend.
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
April's Fool
Hmmm, did not get to fool anyone today, nor was I fooled or even heard a joke... Disappionting! I like to play some jokes on people. It simply was a too serious a day, meetings with people I don't know too well and then just not the right moment. Unfortunately, as this is a tradition I like...
Monday, March 31, 2008
Car worries
Coming back from Stockholm this evening and picking up my car that had been parked by the train station over the weekend, I discovered something worrying. I noticed that the speed meter on my car just did not work any more. It is worrying from two points of view. First; of course I will have to have it fixed. And I don’t like having to have things fixed on my car. I am convinced all such things will ruin my economy. Secondly this is nothing that I can postpone. I mean the car still works perfectly fine, but I know my self to well to let me drive without a working meter. Not that I always pay that much attention to it or the speed limits, but driving without it would probably render me drivers-licence-less in no time at all…
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Life Sucks
Today there was another report on the wellbeing of the Swedish people presented on the morning news, or rather the not-well-being. This time a study confirmed that a big portion of the young adults (between 20-30 years)are not feeling well, they are depressed and suffer from anxeity etc etc. Not long ago there was another study about people with physical disabilities that showed how badly they felt and that their phsychological healt was also not that great. And just before that it was the elderly (10-15 percent of the above 65 are depressed), the young (15-20), before that pregnant women... I wonder if anyone is happy and feeling fine!! Maybe men between 40 and 65. Maybe it is their fault everyone else is feeling bad!? It's them that are in charge aren't they?!
Or is it just that we all have too high expectations on life? Or shall we just all agree on that life sucks?! Or is it just that we are actually doing so well we have the time to feel bad!? Or is it just bad journalism?!
Or is it just that we all have too high expectations on life? Or shall we just all agree on that life sucks?! Or is it just that we are actually doing so well we have the time to feel bad!? Or is it just bad journalism?!
Monday, March 24, 2008
Back to Normal Life?!
Back to Normal Life again!? And back to the small problems and annoyances of the developed world.
Came back to The Small Town only yesterday night, as I went straight from the airport to my parents’ place. I drove back with a close, childhood friend who is living in The Next Somewhat Bigger Town and she came up with me for a cup of tea and to watch some photos before she went home. After that I cleaned out my fridge and went out to buy some new food. It was quite late when I came back and I was pretty tired. So guess how happy I was to discover that obviously I hadn’t closed the door to the freezer properly before I left…. Great welcome home!!
The whole freezer was completely clogged with ice. There was no way around it but I had to start defrosting the freezer before I went to bed. As most of the time is just about waiting for the ice to melt (with some help from hot water) I started down loading some pictures from Afghanistan on my Travel blog. Somehow that got me captured and I continued doing that till 03.30. Very clever!! Just as I had almost overcome the jet lag…
Came back to The Small Town only yesterday night, as I went straight from the airport to my parents’ place. I drove back with a close, childhood friend who is living in The Next Somewhat Bigger Town and she came up with me for a cup of tea and to watch some photos before she went home. After that I cleaned out my fridge and went out to buy some new food. It was quite late when I came back and I was pretty tired. So guess how happy I was to discover that obviously I hadn’t closed the door to the freezer properly before I left…. Great welcome home!!
The whole freezer was completely clogged with ice. There was no way around it but I had to start defrosting the freezer before I went to bed. As most of the time is just about waiting for the ice to melt (with some help from hot water) I started down loading some pictures from Afghanistan on my Travel blog. Somehow that got me captured and I continued doing that till 03.30. Very clever!! Just as I had almost overcome the jet lag…
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Travel Worries
It might sound strange, but I actually worry more about going back to The Small Town than I ever did about going to Afghanistan. It became very obvious when we should leave Mazar. I felt I would much rather have stayed there than go back to The Small Town, especially as I was told that it was snowing. It is so horrible; I just can not understand how I can live there. I really do not want to go back!
My plan to delay the return by a stop over in Dubai does not really work out. That is so sad; I would really have needed a couple of relaxing days on my own on the beach or by the pool. The flights that I wanted to change my booking to were all booked out and changing the booking would cost 200 euros and not 100 as I thought, that might be a little too much for only two extra days, especially as hotels were quite expensive those days, as it is Easter, I suppose.
N.B. I am not saying that the life in general would be better in Afghanistan than in The Small Town, by no means!! I am only saying that I can cope better with the life I would live here (or in any other place!) than with the life I live in The Small Town. And what I guess I am also saying is that I really have to do something about my “normal life”. At least getting a place where it feels like coming home to.
My plan to delay the return by a stop over in Dubai does not really work out. That is so sad; I would really have needed a couple of relaxing days on my own on the beach or by the pool. The flights that I wanted to change my booking to were all booked out and changing the booking would cost 200 euros and not 100 as I thought, that might be a little too much for only two extra days, especially as hotels were quite expensive those days, as it is Easter, I suppose.
N.B. I am not saying that the life in general would be better in Afghanistan than in The Small Town, by no means!! I am only saying that I can cope better with the life I would live here (or in any other place!) than with the life I live in The Small Town. And what I guess I am also saying is that I really have to do something about my “normal life”. At least getting a place where it feels like coming home to.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
On the way!!
One day later than planned, and months later than due; I am actually on my way to Afghanistan now! The first stretch of the journey is behind me, I am in Copenhagen.
My proud ability to pack and travel lightly was completely wasted. I think I was quite good to only have 14 kg luggage for this kind of trip. Until someone came up with the idea that I should bring two flak jackets, they are 13 kgs each! So thats all for my effort. A nice smile saved me from paying overweight!! Good start!
If I have time to write from Afghanistan, which is not sure, you will find it on my Travel blog!
My proud ability to pack and travel lightly was completely wasted. I think I was quite good to only have 14 kg luggage for this kind of trip. Until someone came up with the idea that I should bring two flak jackets, they are 13 kgs each! So thats all for my effort. A nice smile saved me from paying overweight!! Good start!
If I have time to write from Afghanistan, which is not sure, you will find it on my Travel blog!
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Busy skiiers!?
This weekend (Thursday to Sunday) I went skiing with a big group of colleagues. As we are over 20 persons out of office for two normal woking days some/most felt obliged to keep an eye on the mobile phone and the e-mail but we all somehow established that we are a bit pathetic. In my cottage where eight people are staying we togheter have 6 laptops with mobile internet connection and 15 mobile phones. On a skiing holiday!!! Pathetic or just a sign of the times...
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Extremely Bad Timing
This time I really got more than i asked for, barely recovered from the sore throat and fever from last week, I now caught a cold. It is just so bad timing.
I had planned to go skiing with some colleagues this Thursday-Sunday. When the previously postponed trip to Afghanistan was planned with departure this Monday I started questioning whether that still was sensible or not. But since I can not plan everything in my life after that trip I decided to go anyway and have been working hard to get things ready on time. So therefore this cold came with very bad timing! Now I really don't know if I can go. On the other hand I think that is exactly what I would need right now; a couple of days off in nice company, with fresh air and some (light) physical exercise and a few days when I don't have to think of Afghanistan...
I had planned to go skiing with some colleagues this Thursday-Sunday. When the previously postponed trip to Afghanistan was planned with departure this Monday I started questioning whether that still was sensible or not. But since I can not plan everything in my life after that trip I decided to go anyway and have been working hard to get things ready on time. So therefore this cold came with very bad timing! Now I really don't know if I can go. On the other hand I think that is exactly what I would need right now; a couple of days off in nice company, with fresh air and some (light) physical exercise and a few days when I don't have to think of Afghanistan...
Monday, February 25, 2008
Laundry Room Fascism III
So, now I am back to one of my favourite topics to hate; the laundry room fascism. In the house where I live it is absolutely impossible for me to get my laundry done. I had booked the room two weeks ago, but then I was called to a meeting in Stockholm which meant I did not get back home in time. Therefore I took my dirty laundry and took it with me to my parents’ place and washed it there. Then I forgot to immediately make a new reservation and now I am completely screwed. The next time I can do my laundry seem to be in April!! Not that it is fully booked until then, but the next two weeks every evening is booked and my days are fully booked with meetings so I can not even choose to take time off from work to wash. Then after that I will most likely be away for two weeks, then it is Easter and then basically it is April!
Good that I am not good at getting rid of my clothes and now you see why I might need 11 pairs of jeans…
Good that I am not good at getting rid of my clothes and now you see why I might need 11 pairs of jeans…
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
My Best Talent
I have suspected that for quite some time, but now I think I am sure. My best talent is probably to do nothing!!
The whole day today I have been at home and I have done absolutely nothing!! Ok, I have been working a bit, checking my e-mails, replying to them, read and commented on some documents and made some phone calls, but apart from that; nothing!! I haven't watched TV, I haven't read any books and really did not do much at all.
Ok, this morning I also spent some time on the phone waiting to get through at the doctors to make an appointment. And then I had to do something that I really didn't want to do today. My landlord had made an appointment with a presumptive tenant to have a look at the appartment and as I assumed I would not be here a Wednesday att 11 I thought that was an excellent idea. But now, having spent two days at home being sick and bored the appartment looked like a dump. So I really had to do an emergency clean up (do the dishes, vacuum clean, hang up some clotes, make the bed and take out the garbage)and as I really did not want to be here when they came I had to go out for a while. (If I would have been here it could very well have been an awkward situation. If the tenant to be asked me if I liked the appartment and if I had felt comfortable here I would have felt stupid to lie, but I don't think the landlord would have been happy if I had been honest!) But still I am amazed how easily a day can pass without noting happening! I am also amazed how we actually have time to work and do all those other things!!
The whole day today I have been at home and I have done absolutely nothing!! Ok, I have been working a bit, checking my e-mails, replying to them, read and commented on some documents and made some phone calls, but apart from that; nothing!! I haven't watched TV, I haven't read any books and really did not do much at all.
Ok, this morning I also spent some time on the phone waiting to get through at the doctors to make an appointment. And then I had to do something that I really didn't want to do today. My landlord had made an appointment with a presumptive tenant to have a look at the appartment and as I assumed I would not be here a Wednesday att 11 I thought that was an excellent idea. But now, having spent two days at home being sick and bored the appartment looked like a dump. So I really had to do an emergency clean up (do the dishes, vacuum clean, hang up some clotes, make the bed and take out the garbage)and as I really did not want to be here when they came I had to go out for a while. (If I would have been here it could very well have been an awkward situation. If the tenant to be asked me if I liked the appartment and if I had felt comfortable here I would have felt stupid to lie, but I don't think the landlord would have been happy if I had been honest!) But still I am amazed how easily a day can pass without noting happening! I am also amazed how we actually have time to work and do all those other things!!
My Best Man
Now, being at home and being sick, I have found a new friend. Well actually I think you could say we are a bit more than friends. We actually sleep together.
He is great! He keeps me warm when I am freezing and don't complain about being kicked out of bed when I get too hot. Well actually; at the moment I think he is better than any of the men I have slept with...
He might look Swiss, but is actually from Hamburg.
My hot water bottle!! ;-)
He is great! He keeps me warm when I am freezing and don't complain about being kicked out of bed when I get too hot. Well actually; at the moment I think he is better than any of the men I have slept with...
He might look Swiss, but is actually from Hamburg.
My hot water bottle!! ;-)
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