Today, happy was lolling in bed. All day long. Woke up with very tired feet. Made coffee and climbed back into bed for the morning ritual: coffee and my iPad. Finished the coffee. Stayed in bed. Eventually got hungry. Made fruit salad, mixed it with yogurt, coconut flakes and cashews. Then ate it...in bed.
Read a book. Played Wordfeud. Read some more. Napped. Watched House via air video (Thank You Nick!) interspersed with more Wordfeud, checking e-mail and Facebook.
And so the day unfolded because today the lazy hazy side of me got to be center stage. She usually gets relegated to the wings in the hubbub of all the shoulds and musts. Not today. Today, I simply stepped aside and let her step up, front and center. Because happy means embracing it all. It's easy to be happy about the things you like in yourself. It's harder to embrace, honor and, yes, even treasure the parts you are less fond of. She's happy. I'm happy. Tomorrow we can go forth together and face the world. Right now, though, it's evening teatime and...you guessed it...back to bed!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Day 21: Sore Feet, Happy Heart
It's late and I'm tired so I'll keep it short. Could not go to sleep, however, before sharing my oh-so-perfect day, framed by glorious weather. Sunny and warm...I even got a slight sunburn.
Add to that spending most of it with my wonderful friends Chedva and Jeff who are cruising their way throughout the world and had a one day stop in Stockholm. We walked and walked and walked. And talked and talked and talked. What a pleasure it was to show off the beautiful city I live in!
After putting my feet up for an hour or two, I rounded off the day with luscious home cooking at the Greismans.
It doesn't get better than this!
And now...to bed!
Add to that spending most of it with my wonderful friends Chedva and Jeff who are cruising their way throughout the world and had a one day stop in Stockholm. We walked and walked and walked. And talked and talked and talked. What a pleasure it was to show off the beautiful city I live in!
When I got home, my tired aching feet were very glad when I remembered that there was still some of the leg gel that Olga gave me many years ago left...and where it was.
After putting my feet up for an hour or two, I rounded off the day with luscious home cooking at the Greismans.
It doesn't get better than this!
And now...to bed!
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Day 20: Facelift
When my cousin's granddaughter visited Stockholm a few years ago, I accompanied her to Centralen (Stockholm's central station). Her comment was, "Yup, typical central station in a big city." She was right, of course, which is why I'm happy to report that Centralen is getting a facelift.
The upper level and main concourse are done. They've started on the lower level and are renovating the stretch between the subway and the commuter trains in increments. Sections of that area are cordoned off by brightly colored screens with huge words printed on them. Anticipating people's reactions to the inevitable inconvenience of extended renovations, here's what the signs say:
Pretty clever if you ask me. Takes the wind right out of the complainer's sails. Made me laugh. Good strategy on the whole. And they say the Swedes have no sense of humor! :-)
Here are some photos of the work in progress:
The upper level and main concourse are done. They've started on the lower level and are renovating the stretch between the subway and the commuter trains in increments. Sections of that area are cordoned off by brightly colored screens with huge words printed on them. Anticipating people's reactions to the inevitable inconvenience of extended renovations, here's what the signs say:
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| Nuts |
 |
| Ungainly |
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| Messy |
Pretty clever if you ask me. Takes the wind right out of the complainer's sails. Made me laugh. Good strategy on the whole. And they say the Swedes have no sense of humor! :-)
Here are some photos of the work in progress:
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Day 19: 100% return on investment
How would you rate 100% return on an investment in less than one year? Given current interest rates and the state of the world's economy, I am more than pleased with that outcome. And unlike many other ventures, you don't have to get in on the ground floor to take advantage of this one. Shall I let you in on the secret? OK, then...invest in a Fotografiska membership.
Fotografiska is the photography museum in Stockholm. I joined as a member last June and have since then been to nine exhibitions there. (Bear in mind that I was traveling for six months over the past year. If I had been in Stockholm for the entire year, the number of visits would no doubt have been greater.) Membership costs 495 kronor a year for unlimited access to the museum. The entrance fee is 110 kronor if you are not a member. So, in the year I've been a member, I have doubled my investment. Or have visited the museum at half-price. Now that's what I call value.
And if that isn't enough reason to join, consider the museum's fantastic location, right on the waterfront with outstanding views from the fine restaurant on the top floor. The museum also happens to be located two kilometers from where I live, the perfect distance for a brisk walk in any type of weather. The museum's directors, Jan och Per Broman, seem to have an endless capacity for finding creative and original ways to use the space. In addition to the exhibits and courses that the museum offers, there are evening activities every day of the week. During June, July and August, the museum opens at 7 AM...brilliant!
You bet I'll be renewing this membership!
The brig Tre Kronor af Stockholm was moored along the quay outside the museum today, which also happens to be Sweden's National Day. The ship was open to the public from 2 to 3 PM and the guides on board talked about the vessel's sailing on the North Sea.
The museum viewed from Klippgatan.
Fotografiska is the photography museum in Stockholm. I joined as a member last June and have since then been to nine exhibitions there. (Bear in mind that I was traveling for six months over the past year. If I had been in Stockholm for the entire year, the number of visits would no doubt have been greater.) Membership costs 495 kronor a year for unlimited access to the museum. The entrance fee is 110 kronor if you are not a member. So, in the year I've been a member, I have doubled my investment. Or have visited the museum at half-price. Now that's what I call value.
And if that isn't enough reason to join, consider the museum's fantastic location, right on the waterfront with outstanding views from the fine restaurant on the top floor. The museum also happens to be located two kilometers from where I live, the perfect distance for a brisk walk in any type of weather. The museum's directors, Jan och Per Broman, seem to have an endless capacity for finding creative and original ways to use the space. In addition to the exhibits and courses that the museum offers, there are evening activities every day of the week. During June, July and August, the museum opens at 7 AM...brilliant!
You bet I'll be renewing this membership!
The brig Tre Kronor af Stockholm was moored along the quay outside the museum today, which also happens to be Sweden's National Day. The ship was open to the public from 2 to 3 PM and the guides on board talked about the vessel's sailing on the North Sea.
The museum viewed from Klippgatan.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Day 18: What's in a word
It's amazing how much energy you can free up when you tar tag i gamla surdegar. I'm afraid Google translate will not help you with this one. It's an idiom in Swedish whose literal translation is something like grabbing old sourdoughs. What it actually means is dealing with something you've put off for a long time.
In my case, this meant finally writing that letter I've been want to send for over a week now. Sometimes, figuring out what is hindering you is not half as important as simply getting down to the task at hand. When I finally got down to this one, I found that by giving the Perfectionist in me a rest and simply accepting good enough, the letter got written and sent in no time at all.
Almost immediately, my step got lighter and my heart beat quicker. I answered some e-mails, cooked food for the next few days and took off for the Language Exchange MeetUp where I participated as a native English speaker.
What a lively discussion we had. It kind of amused me because the people at my table (we met at a cafe in Gamla Stan, the old city) spoke quite good English and I found myself wondering why they needed me. Still, it was fun to focus on the minutiae. Some questions that came up:
On the whole, I think I would be of more use at the Swedish Language Exchange, and I am anxious to give the French one a try. Do I encore savoir parler français?
BTW, I'm sure there's an English equivalent to the sourdough idiom...and if you know it, please advise!
In my case, this meant finally writing that letter I've been want to send for over a week now. Sometimes, figuring out what is hindering you is not half as important as simply getting down to the task at hand. When I finally got down to this one, I found that by giving the Perfectionist in me a rest and simply accepting good enough, the letter got written and sent in no time at all.
Almost immediately, my step got lighter and my heart beat quicker. I answered some e-mails, cooked food for the next few days and took off for the Language Exchange MeetUp where I participated as a native English speaker.
What a lively discussion we had. It kind of amused me because the people at my table (we met at a cafe in Gamla Stan, the old city) spoke quite good English and I found myself wondering why they needed me. Still, it was fun to focus on the minutiae. Some questions that came up:
- "You don't seem to be interested..." vs. "You seem not to be interested"
- Speaking vs. talking
- Farther vs. further
On the whole, I think I would be of more use at the Swedish Language Exchange, and I am anxious to give the French one a try. Do I encore savoir parler français?
BTW, I'm sure there's an English equivalent to the sourdough idiom...and if you know it, please advise!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Day 17: Tears of joy
When we looked up the weather forecast for today last night, we were stumped by icons for sunshine and rain. It's going to be rainy AND sunny? Makes no sense. So here it is today and what's it look like outside? You guessed it...sunshine and showers. Which kind of fits my inner landscape as well because today, so many things have moved me to tears. The good kind...as in, having a good cry.
There is something exceptional about being moved to tears. I'm pretty sentimental so it doesn't take much to set me off. It's only 3 PM and already I've had three bouts of crying today! Silly TV programs, feel-good movies, any type of artistic talent (playing or singing music, painting, photography, dancing) can all start teardrops rolling down my cheeks.
I was checking out some concerts to go to this summer and came across this video of the singing group Perpetuum Jazzile. I only meant to get a taste for what their music is like but they hooked me from the first few seconds. Such joy, and animation and passion. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Then read on...
Then I happen to follow a link Juliana posted and am whisked off to Japan to share the joy of an amazing photo session, this time with Ju herself and her husband Nils as the subjects. Again, so much passion. And love. And life.
Bring on the hankies!
There is something exceptional about being moved to tears. I'm pretty sentimental so it doesn't take much to set me off. It's only 3 PM and already I've had three bouts of crying today! Silly TV programs, feel-good movies, any type of artistic talent (playing or singing music, painting, photography, dancing) can all start teardrops rolling down my cheeks.
I was checking out some concerts to go to this summer and came across this video of the singing group Perpetuum Jazzile. I only meant to get a taste for what their music is like but they hooked me from the first few seconds. Such joy, and animation and passion. Sit back, relax and enjoy. Then read on...
Then I happen to follow a link Juliana posted and am whisked off to Japan to share the joy of an amazing photo session, this time with Ju herself and her husband Nils as the subjects. Again, so much passion. And love. And life.
Bring on the hankies!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Day 16: Reunited
Another soggy day in Stockholm, and another warm and cozy destination to lure me out of the house. This time it was off to Rotebro, delicious home-cooked Indian food at the Malaysians, and a reunion with a very squishable friend. When I moved out after a three week stay at Sharm and Vick's in March, Maizie stayed behind. I was going to be away for five weeks visiting family and I thought Maizie, who'd only been in Sweden for a few weeks at that point, would be happier remaining in an environment with familiar faces. Fortunately, the Malaysians, big and small, agreed to put her up for the duration.
I've been back in Stockholm for some time now and although we've spoken on the phone a couple of times, I had not been out to Rotebro until today. To my utter surprise, what do I find? Maizie has been relegated to one of the kids' rooms! Why? you ask. Get this...because she is white! Let me tell you, a discussion ensued after that explanation?! The situation was diffused when I wrapped Maizie in my cardigan, rendering her whiteness invisible and she was able to join us on the table. (To be fair, she got relegated for her own protection...from spills and such.)
After a lovely visit and a yummy meal, we said our good-byes and set off for the pendeltåg (commuter train) station to make our way home. It was Maizie's first pendeltåg ride (we arrived in Rotebro by taxi) and she was very excited. Not only was she finally coming home, she would also get to meet Lucy and Baboo who were anticipating her arrival with great curiosity on their end.
Irresistible and outgoing, Maizie made new friends even before we boarded the train so we had company for a good part of the ride.
We arrived home safe and sound, much to the delight of Baboo and Lucy.
As I write, Maizie is regaling her new family with tales of her many other squishable friends and the adventures they shared at squishable.com. Better sign off now and see what they're up to.
I've been back in Stockholm for some time now and although we've spoken on the phone a couple of times, I had not been out to Rotebro until today. To my utter surprise, what do I find? Maizie has been relegated to one of the kids' rooms! Why? you ask. Get this...because she is white! Let me tell you, a discussion ensued after that explanation?! The situation was diffused when I wrapped Maizie in my cardigan, rendering her whiteness invisible and she was able to join us on the table. (To be fair, she got relegated for her own protection...from spills and such.)
After a lovely visit and a yummy meal, we said our good-byes and set off for the pendeltåg (commuter train) station to make our way home. It was Maizie's first pendeltåg ride (we arrived in Rotebro by taxi) and she was very excited. Not only was she finally coming home, she would also get to meet Lucy and Baboo who were anticipating her arrival with great curiosity on their end.
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| Maizie on the pendeltåg |
Irresistible and outgoing, Maizie made new friends even before we boarded the train so we had company for a good part of the ride.
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| Aleya and Milton pimp Maizie with a hat that matches her coloring and stylish handbag in pink...like her udders |
We arrived home safe and sound, much to the delight of Baboo and Lucy.
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| Lucy gets a piggyback (cowback?) ride from Maizie while Baboo patiently awaits his turn |
As I write, Maizie is regaling her new family with tales of her many other squishable friends and the adventures they shared at squishable.com. Better sign off now and see what they're up to.
 |
| Some of Maizie's friends |
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Day 15: Carrot
In my very first blog entry (Day 1: Life became a day longer today), I was telling you that in Sweden, you learn to let the weather steer your life in spring and summer. What I failed to mention is how often winter shows up just when you thought you were well into the warmer seasons. Camilla posted on FB today that she'd read in the newspaper that it was colder out today than it was on Christmas. And I can attest to the fact that it's been raining, non-stop, since the morning. And not just a light drizzle mind you, a downpour. And windy. All day. Yesterday too.
This was the kind of morning that lent itself to pulling the covers over my head, not to getting out of bed, not to mention out of the house! On days like today, I've learned, I have to have compelling motivation to venture outdoors. I need a carrot. What works best for me is to ensure I'm expected somewhere...preferably somewhere warm and cozy.
That is how I found myself on a bus to Alunda at 10:45 this morning, on my way to visit Åsa and her two girls. As the rain was pelting the bus windows and cars were swishing by, I thought how lucky I am to have had a reason to get up this morning. Åsa and her oldest were waiting for me at the bus stop and when were done grocery shopping, we came home to be greeted by Sashimi the cat. It was toasty in their house and Åsa and I sat down to a cup of tea and to discuss life.
One thing led to another and soon we were tackling the laundry room, which got a complete makeover. Now to the rest of you this might sound like an absolutely horrific way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but I was in my element. All the cupboards got emptied. A system of laundry sorting was put in place. Surfaces got scrubbed. Several loads of laundry were washed. Most importantly, Åsa was so pleased. And grateful. As for me, imagine being appreciated for something you love to do and are good at. It doesn't get better than that!
So thank you Åsa, for this and for the great dinner and pleasant company. Which we are still enjoying, even now, candles and all, as the rain contiues to come down. Outside.
This was the kind of morning that lent itself to pulling the covers over my head, not to getting out of bed, not to mention out of the house! On days like today, I've learned, I have to have compelling motivation to venture outdoors. I need a carrot. What works best for me is to ensure I'm expected somewhere...preferably somewhere warm and cozy.
That is how I found myself on a bus to Alunda at 10:45 this morning, on my way to visit Åsa and her two girls. As the rain was pelting the bus windows and cars were swishing by, I thought how lucky I am to have had a reason to get up this morning. Åsa and her oldest were waiting for me at the bus stop and when were done grocery shopping, we came home to be greeted by Sashimi the cat. It was toasty in their house and Åsa and I sat down to a cup of tea and to discuss life.
One thing led to another and soon we were tackling the laundry room, which got a complete makeover. Now to the rest of you this might sound like an absolutely horrific way to spend a Saturday afternoon, but I was in my element. All the cupboards got emptied. A system of laundry sorting was put in place. Surfaces got scrubbed. Several loads of laundry were washed. Most importantly, Åsa was so pleased. And grateful. As for me, imagine being appreciated for something you love to do and are good at. It doesn't get better than that!
So thank you Åsa, for this and for the great dinner and pleasant company. Which we are still enjoying, even now, candles and all, as the rain contiues to come down. Outside.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Day 14: Inspiration
Love this post on FB by a mom (my fabulous photographer friend Juliana)
about her 10 year old daughter (the also fabulous Brisa):
When I'm feeling that my
get up and go got up and went, it's nice to be reminded that it's just on a
break. And that the Brisas and Mattecentrums of the world are at it full force
and there to rekindle the entrepreneurial spirit within me. Tack ska ni
ha!
And
then Brisa wrote a mail to her favorite magazine (KP tidning) and said she
would like to be in an article about "blowing glass" WITH her
brothers. And yesterday the magazine called and booked her for the
article....ahahha....and I didn't know anything about it......all
right.....day's wake-up call they are becoming more and more independent, my
little babies! ♥♥♥
How is that for
initiative? And don't you just love that she included her (younger!) brothers?
Think about it: you're a magazine editor and you get an e-mail like that from
one of your readers. Totally irresistible, right?
There's a lesson to be
learned here. Figure out what you want and then make it happen. I had that
spirit as a youngster. Many of my friends did too. When I was in high school,
for example, a group of us wrote and put on a musical the proceeds of which
went to Willowbrook Hospital, a mental institution that was the subject of an
exposé for deplorable conditions at the time. We also had a Playbill (theater
program) for which we sold ads. I canvassed many neighborhood stores and got
them to put ads in our program. It was the first Playbill in the school's
history that actually turned a profit.
That's one of the things
I love about Mattecentrum (The Math Center) where I do volunteer work helping
students with mathematics. Today the team hosted an end of term open house at
their office in Östermalm. It was invigorating and inspiring to be around these
"youngsters" (hey, at my age they are still youngsters to me) who
have built up an organization that helps more than 3000 students a year in nine
cities around Sweden, and two in Denmark, not to mention innumerable students
online. And they're funny and warm to boot.
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Hur många vuxen poäng får du ihop?
Avslutningsmingel på Mattecentrum...the Math Center end of term mingle
|
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Day 13: Gratitude
The sky turned ominously gray just as I was getting back into the building where I live. The weather can be like that in Sweden, unpredictable, changeable. So I was so happy to get in a walk during the brief period of sunshine this afternoon.
Not much on the agenda today. Not even a to-do list. Felt somewhat at loose ends with nothing to do. Somewhere along the way, however, a feeling of deep gratitude gradually swept over me as I was sitting on the living room sofa, snacking on chips and watching an episode of House via air video. On a dreary day like today, how fabulous to have a roof over my head; no, not just a roof, a rather lovely apartment on the ground floor with access to our garden directly from my kitchen. The fridge has food. The closets clothes. There are shelves filled with books, read and waiting to be read. Hot and cold running water. And a dishwasher! (I love my dishwasher...running it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. OK, I'm a nerd, I admit it!) I have the luxury of a do-nothing day. Of not having to worry about where my next meal is coming from, or when...or IF for that matter.
Then there are the people in my life, both near and far. Close friends and more distant acquaintances. Family, both biological and adopted. The upside to how much smaller the world has gotten with air transport is the ability to travel, meet new people, visit old friends and family. And the internet has made it so much easier to maintain contact. The downside is that you cannot have all the people you care most deeply about in one geographical area. Sometimes, I think that would be so nice. But then I would lose the opportunity to travel and experience their lives in their environments.
So today's happy is all about gratitude. It's about seeing the glass not half-empty, but full. It's the happy within while looking at the rain outside.
Not much on the agenda today. Not even a to-do list. Felt somewhat at loose ends with nothing to do. Somewhere along the way, however, a feeling of deep gratitude gradually swept over me as I was sitting on the living room sofa, snacking on chips and watching an episode of House via air video. On a dreary day like today, how fabulous to have a roof over my head; no, not just a roof, a rather lovely apartment on the ground floor with access to our garden directly from my kitchen. The fridge has food. The closets clothes. There are shelves filled with books, read and waiting to be read. Hot and cold running water. And a dishwasher! (I love my dishwasher...running it gives me a deep sense of satisfaction. OK, I'm a nerd, I admit it!) I have the luxury of a do-nothing day. Of not having to worry about where my next meal is coming from, or when...or IF for that matter.
Then there are the people in my life, both near and far. Close friends and more distant acquaintances. Family, both biological and adopted. The upside to how much smaller the world has gotten with air transport is the ability to travel, meet new people, visit old friends and family. And the internet has made it so much easier to maintain contact. The downside is that you cannot have all the people you care most deeply about in one geographical area. Sometimes, I think that would be so nice. But then I would lose the opportunity to travel and experience their lives in their environments.
So today's happy is all about gratitude. It's about seeing the glass not half-empty, but full. It's the happy within while looking at the rain outside.
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| The view through my kitchen window |
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Day 12: The Big Apple in the Big Apple
Choosing today's happy was a piece of cake...birthday cake...well, sort of. To honor Frankie Manning on what would have been his 98th birthday, dancers from around the world videotaped themselves dancing the Big Apple. The Big Apple is both a ring and partner dance incorporating steps well-known within the swing dance community, including Suzie-Q, Truckin' and Boogies.
The exuberance of the dancers and the swinging music is contagious. I found myself giggling as I watched and somewhat teary-eyed as well. How amazing that three years after his death, Frankie still inspires this kind of community and joyfulness. How blessed are all of us who knew him.
The videos are being compiled into a montage. In the meanwhile, take a look at the New York City tribute...I dare say it will get your toes tapping and fingers snapping. Enjoy!
Oh, and if you're interested in learning more about the Big Apple, check out Judy Pritchett's DVD here:
http://www.swingdanceshop.com/bigapple2.html
The exuberance of the dancers and the swinging music is contagious. I found myself giggling as I watched and somewhat teary-eyed as well. How amazing that three years after his death, Frankie still inspires this kind of community and joyfulness. How blessed are all of us who knew him.
The videos are being compiled into a montage. In the meanwhile, take a look at the New York City tribute...I dare say it will get your toes tapping and fingers snapping. Enjoy!
Oh, and if you're interested in learning more about the Big Apple, check out Judy Pritchett's DVD here:
http://www.swingdanceshop.com/bigapple2.html
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Day 11: Sacred time
For the record, there's no point in calling me between 11:50 and 12:50 weekdays Stockholm time. That's my hour for communing with Cesar Millan as he helps dogs and their owners work toward achieving balance in their lives. I'm not really sure how I came to start watching The Dog Whisperer. I've never owned a dog, and frankly I'm not all that fond of them. But right from the start, I fell in love with this show. Perhaps it's the feel-good aspect (most of the time, dog and dog owner "live happily ever after" together...but not always) or the wisdom Millan imparts to the humans he works with. Whatever it is, I can always count on TDW to bring a tear to my eye or a smile to my face. So 11:50 to 12:50 weekdays is sacred time.
Today, I leave you with the following clip that made me laugh out loud:
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| - What do you enjoy on a sunny summer day? - Birgit answers, "Sex maybe, I'm not that fond of ice cream," |
She sure looks happy, doesn't she?!
P.S. As it turns out, the question posed was "How many ice creams do you usually eat on a sunny summer day?" and her answer was "sex" which means both "sex" and "six" in Swedish. Either way, it made me chuckle.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Day 10: Just the thing
A corollary to "a place for everything..." is "the right tool for the right job."
This might not always be the job for which the tool was intended, or invented, but somewhere along the line you discover it's the perfect solution. I am intrigued by the mechanism that makes it occur to you to put something to a use it wasn't originally meant for. Why, for example, did it occur to me to put an egg slicer
to the task of preparing potatoes for home fries? In hindsight, it is the perfect tool. You get even slices of the right thickness. It's quick and easy. Anybody else out there slice their boiled potatoes this way? What other uses have you put your egg slicer to?
Many years ago when I was an undergraduate at NYU, I knew a woman who had a great holiday tradition with her best friend who lived on the west coast. They exchanged Christmas presents by post and each of them would include one kitchen gizmo in the package. The gizmo had to have a specific use and had to be sent unwrapped and removed from its packaging. Then they would each have fun trying to figure out what the implement was intended for. Some years were harder than others and we would get to join in the fun of trying to help Joie figure out what her friend had sent.
In the "right tool for the right job"-in-the-kitchen department, no one outdoes Tupperware. Here is a photo of two task-specific Tupperware products, one of which I actually used just the other day. Two gold stars to the first person who identifies what either or both are meant to be used for!
What's your favorite right tool for the right job?
 |
| Ad slogan used for True Temper tools since at least 1907 which may not have been the first use of the saying, but did help popularize it in America. |
This might not always be the job for which the tool was intended, or invented, but somewhere along the line you discover it's the perfect solution. I am intrigued by the mechanism that makes it occur to you to put something to a use it wasn't originally meant for. Why, for example, did it occur to me to put an egg slicer
to the task of preparing potatoes for home fries? In hindsight, it is the perfect tool. You get even slices of the right thickness. It's quick and easy. Anybody else out there slice their boiled potatoes this way? What other uses have you put your egg slicer to?
Many years ago when I was an undergraduate at NYU, I knew a woman who had a great holiday tradition with her best friend who lived on the west coast. They exchanged Christmas presents by post and each of them would include one kitchen gizmo in the package. The gizmo had to have a specific use and had to be sent unwrapped and removed from its packaging. Then they would each have fun trying to figure out what the implement was intended for. Some years were harder than others and we would get to join in the fun of trying to help Joie figure out what her friend had sent.
In the "right tool for the right job"-in-the-kitchen department, no one outdoes Tupperware. Here is a photo of two task-specific Tupperware products, one of which I actually used just the other day. Two gold stars to the first person who identifies what either or both are meant to be used for!
What's your favorite right tool for the right job?
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Day 9: The goddess of order within
Why is it that going from this
to this
to this
(as I did today) makes me genuinely happy? I've always liked things in order. My mantra, unoriginal but nonetheless, is "a place for everything and everything in its place." Over the course of the years, I have used this principle to help more than one person (not always to their delight I might add :-)) to bring order to their chaotic homes. I always warn them that it will get a lot worse before it gets better and that patience and perseverance are key. We start by emptying all the closets and drawers and shelves and so on. You have to make place for everything before you can put everything in its place. Then there is the process of sorting and, hardest of all to the sentimental among us, discarding. The reward, when we're all done, is not only a neat home but also a system for keeping it that way.
I recognize that not everyone shares my passion for order but I have a hard time understanding why. I sympathize with people who feel cleaning is a chore; I'm not too fond of it myself. In fact, I use a cleaning service twice a month in my own home. (BTW, a very effective way to ensure my place stays neat since it is impossible for them to clean when the place is cluttered...and, yes, my place does get cluttered). What intrigues me is how people can live in clutter and still think. Even more intriguing are those who seem to prefer clutter to order. What does clutter have to recommend it?
Maybe it's the other way around. Maybe I need help introducing some chaos into my life? Trouble is, I draw the line when I no longer can find something I'm looking for. Then I bow at the altar of the goddess of order within and sim-sala-bim drawers get emptied, closets get organized, i's get dotted and t's get crossed. And with a great sense of inner satisfaction, I look all around and admire my handiwork. And smile.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Day 8: Happy Birthday Frankie Manning!
Known as the Ambassador of Lindy Hop, Frankie Manning touched the lives of thousands of dancers across the world. It was easy to like Frankie. He lit up any room he entered. He was funny and warm and full of humanity. Frankie was a true lesson in happy, the kind of happy that radiates from within. Just being around him lifted my spirits, every time.
We met at The Cat Club in Manhattan in 1988 but our true friendship began later that year when Frankie began giving me a lift home after those Sunday night dances. We both lived in Queens and as we made our way over the Williamsburg Bridge to the Long Island Expressway and on home, we talked. About dancing, about friendship, about movies, about food, about relationships...about life. I came to know Frankie well and was honored that he regarded me as a friend.
Frankie would have turned 98 today. Hard to grasp that three years have already passed since he left this world for that big dance floor in the sky, just one month shy of his 95th birthday. His spirit still binds together thousands of dancers from across the globe and tonight there are many celebrations taking place in Frankie's honor. Happy Birthday Frankie!
We met at The Cat Club in Manhattan in 1988 but our true friendship began later that year when Frankie began giving me a lift home after those Sunday night dances. We both lived in Queens and as we made our way over the Williamsburg Bridge to the Long Island Expressway and on home, we talked. About dancing, about friendship, about movies, about food, about relationships...about life. I came to know Frankie well and was honored that he regarded me as a friend.
Frankie would have turned 98 today. Hard to grasp that three years have already passed since he left this world for that big dance floor in the sky, just one month shy of his 95th birthday. His spirit still binds together thousands of dancers from across the globe and tonight there are many celebrations taking place in Frankie's honor. Happy Birthday Frankie!
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| Frankie Manning, November 2008 (age 94!), at my birthday celebration in Forest Hills, NY |
Friday, May 25, 2012
Day 7: The taste of summer
It was hot in Stockholm today. Not warm. Not just sunny. Genuinely hot. So hot that I wore a sleeveless top and did not bother to take so much as a shawl with me. A rare and delightful event. It was a run errands kind of day and when I came home I treated myself to my favorite drink of the summer: elder flower soda. Not elderberry mind you. No, the syrup is made from the white flowers of the elderberry bush. Add some sparkling mineral water and you have a refreshing thirst quencher with a unique taste.
Bottoms up!
P.S. What's your favorite summer thirst quencher?
Bottoms up!
P.S. What's your favorite summer thirst quencher?
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Day 6: Nigglies no more
Nigglies...those "I've been meaning to..." things that you never quite get around to. Every time you run across one, it irritates you, and you say, "I really should fix that." That stain on the wall; the button that needs sewing; the jungle of cables and wires that need untangling; the letter you promised to write; the phone call you really should make; the pile of filing that grows weekly. I'm sure you could add to the list...in fact, it would be fun if you did!
Nigglies steal energy. Taking care of one rewards you with a supreme sense of satisfaction and a new sense of optimism. In my recent whirlwind of spring cleaning, I kept a pair of my favorite slacks, despite the fact that they'd been missing a button for at least three years now. On my walk to Fotografiska today, I passed by one of my favorite clothing stores (Gudrun Sjödén) where I bought the slacks a number of years ago.
I decided to go in on the off chance that they would be willing to sell me (dared I hope give me?) an extra button.
and on went the button.
I know that every time I put on these slacks, I will revisit this sense of satisfaction with a smile on my face.
One niggly down, the rest to go.
Nigglies steal energy. Taking care of one rewards you with a supreme sense of satisfaction and a new sense of optimism. In my recent whirlwind of spring cleaning, I kept a pair of my favorite slacks, despite the fact that they'd been missing a button for at least three years now. On my walk to Fotografiska today, I passed by one of my favorite clothing stores (Gudrun Sjödén) where I bought the slacks a number of years ago.
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| Gudrun Sjödén on Götgatan. There are other locations in Stockholm. Check them out. |
I decided to go in on the off chance that they would be willing to sell me (dared I hope give me?) an extra button.
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| Sarah and the button box. |
Wonderful Sarah brought out the button box from the back and let me rifle through it. "Of course, we'll give it to you," she said, "if we have one left."
It looked hopeless for a while
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| Buttons galore...but is the one I need in there somewhere? |
but then way down at the bottom of the box, I spotted it!
Home again a few hours later, out came the sewing kit
and on went the button.
I know that every time I put on these slacks, I will revisit this sense of satisfaction with a smile on my face.
One niggly down, the rest to go.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Day 5: What happiness is
It's laundry day, which always brings a smile to my face. No, really. Seriously. A smile. One of the reasons is the fabulous "drying cabinet" (torkskåp) found in just about every Swedish laundry room. An ingenious idea, better seen than described, leaves your laundered clothing practically wrinkle free in no time.
You simply hang your newly washed clothes on the metal railings, close the doors, press a button and warm air blows down and circulates to dry everything.
Laundry day also means clean bedding. Today, I even opened a package of brand new bedding to celebrate completion of spring cleaning the bedroom, during which, by the way, I found this brand new set at the bottom of the linens drawer.
And while I'm at it, take a look at my newly filtered windows. It only took me 9(!) years to let some light into the bedroom while keeping curious eyes out. Another ingenious idea (the filters...not waiting 9 years).
Yup, you've come a long way, baby!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Day 4: The flowers that bloom in the spring...
The apple tree in our garden is in bloom!
One of the joys of living in the (self-proclaimed) best bostadsrättsförening (co-op) in Stockholm is our gorgeous garden. On a warm, sunny morning like today, there's nothing like taking my cup of coffee out through the kitchen door and into the garden to enjoy drinking it among the flowers:
and herbs:
One of the joys of living in the (self-proclaimed) best bostadsrättsförening (co-op) in Stockholm is our gorgeous garden. On a warm, sunny morning like today, there's nothing like taking my cup of coffee out through the kitchen door and into the garden to enjoy drinking it among the flowers:
and herbs:
Monday, May 21, 2012
Day 3: What counts
Once a week, I volunteer at Mattecentrum, helping kids with mathematics. The national exams are this week and experience tells us that attendance tends to be particularly high at our räknestugor (math labs) on weeks such as this. The anxiety level was pretty high too and the buzz of cramming filled the room. They don't teach math like they used to, that's for sure. Couple that to clearing the cobwebs that inhabit those portions of my brain and I sometimes wonder if I am not confusing these kids more than helping!
Nerves got to some students more than others. Two young ladies simply blacked out on how to multiply two, two-digit numbers. 94x32. I only know one way, so I rewrote the problem the "old fashioned" way
94
x 32
_____
and proceeded to show them how to solve it. I always try to give them tips on how to check their answers, if not exactly then at least approximately. In this example, my reasoning was that 94 is pretty close to one hundred so the answer should be somewhat less than 100x32 or 3200. "That's actually quite clever," one said. THAT's when it's all worth it!
Teaching is the art of figuring out as many ways to present or explain the material as it takes for the light to go on in the eyes of every student in the room. That's the challenge...and the fun.
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| Math Lab at Södra Latin |
Nerves got to some students more than others. Two young ladies simply blacked out on how to multiply two, two-digit numbers. 94x32. I only know one way, so I rewrote the problem the "old fashioned" way
94
x 32
_____
and proceeded to show them how to solve it. I always try to give them tips on how to check their answers, if not exactly then at least approximately. In this example, my reasoning was that 94 is pretty close to one hundred so the answer should be somewhat less than 100x32 or 3200. "That's actually quite clever," one said. THAT's when it's all worth it!
Teaching is the art of figuring out as many ways to present or explain the material as it takes for the light to go on in the eyes of every student in the room. That's the challenge...and the fun.
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