hello apple tv

I've always prefered watching movies and TV-series on a big TV-screen and I absolutely loath watching them on the computer or iPad - the experience with a tiny screen is poor plus it's crap for the eyes. I so prefer the HD-recorder before every play-app or online experience available.

Since I most certainly don't belong to the Apple cult (but enjoy the iPhone very much and the iPad reasonably so) I've never been very interested in all their other gadgets. To be honest I am a bit of a not-so-closet technology antagonist in general, even though obviously I can be smitten by its vast opportunities and potentials too.

That said, apparently the Apple TV is a nifty li'l thing that changes all that. It's actually more useful that I imagined. And the resolution is vastly superior to the TV and HD. Suddenly watching movies and series via the different channels online-services is so much easier and satisfying.

I haven't explored the possibilities a lot yet, but apart from a few missed series easily catched up on without having recorded them, I think it's great fun that you can enjoy a screening of your own pictures both via the iPhone but also via Flickr on the TV now.

The more technical savvy bobbaloos think it's a fab gadget. In fact they toppled over in excitement.

the prosit winter hq

Despite its loveliness, the Prosit pink office is too cold for comfort with these current freezing temperatures below zero C. So in order to save energy (electric bills) I've temporarily moved it to the kitchen. Needless to say I get a lot of helping paws from board member and employees. But so far I've been able to keep them in reasonable order. And I can always close the doors to the temporary home office.

Sure, it isn't as marked off from the rest of the home as the regular office, but it's actually quite cosy. And the kettle is even closer at hand for a tea refill. Which in an ideal world would obviously be something my so called helpers would keep filled for me, right?

on the pia day 2015

My name day of 2015 was unpretentious but rather sweet - and unlike last year I wasn't the least bit sniffly -

• I got a lovely T-shirt with a pineapple print - a life without a pineapple tee, bah humbug! 
• I had fika with a cute carrot cake - although why do they insist in slicing it way before serving, obviously it does get dry in the display without a cover.
• I had to work - writing copy for a bicycle dealer. And I dream of a really pretty new bike, but I know I'm not really big on biking so it's most likely not worth the money. My pink bike will do for me still.
• While working I enjoyed my first tulips (locally grown climate compensated ones of course) of the year alongside a swell, as usual, soy latte.
• I also managed to spruce up the Prosit website, by following instructions and common sense only. And figuring things out myself, even though I'm so not interested in coding and such, is quite rewarding. I like to keep things simple still, less is more, but now it's at least a responsive website and easy to read and navigate on a smartphone too. Welcome to Prosit's new and improved website ~

new year, new glasses

January 2, 2015 - another day of mixed matters. At least today they were more of the fine than foul kind, compared to yesterday.

• The computer issue solved itself with minimal help from me today. I am so utterly and deeply grateful for that. No more such nonsense, please. And well, I most likely need to relax a bit over such matters, they're more often than not not as bad as one might think at first sight. I should have learnt that after +25 years with computers...

• It was time to get new glasses and what better way to start a new year with an appointment at the optrician really? With a clear sight in to the future etc etc. Glad to learn that my eye sight hadn't changed much these past 3,5 years since I bought my dotty lovelies, but with them being *bit* worn and scratched I needed fresh pairs (although I will replace the glasses in the dotty ones sometime soon too). To be honest the vast selection of frames at SmartEyes isn't as cool as it was a few years back. There are nothing remotely similar to the dotty ones - for which my love is deep - but I'm glad that one pair of the ones I looked at 1,5 years ago was still around. I chose from 5-6 pairs and then I was down to 3 and eventually 2. All will be revealed in a week or so when I can pick them up. Upon publishing the above picture on Instagram, after ordering the new frames, the comments showed the followers have the same taste as I. Would you care to guess which two pairs I chose (the dotty ones at the bottom are obviously my current pair)?

• Then I had a lunch date at Falafelbaren - where upon arrival I fell flat on a scary slippery floor. It was like the giant princess cake all over again, just indoors and the fabulous happy coat needs a good dry cleaning alas. But things could have gone so so much worse so I suppose I should be grateful for that. The proprietors apologized profusely for their slippery floor, something they apparently were aware of, but no compensation was offered. I would have been happy for a free lunch really. Now I hope they will change that floor to a more appropriate one asap and that noone else have a fall accident with a nastier outcome.

• Apart from that the lunch and the company was very good. That bode well for lots of more great lunches this year I'd say, hooray! One day I will write a blog post about the awesomeness of good lunches, both from a professional and a social point of view. Watch this space.

• The days also held an investment in more organic cotton yarn, not that I exactly need more cotton yarn, but with the amigurumi owls project I have going on and the colour nerd I am I can't stop thinking about colour combinations and organic is good. I also bought a massive one kilo of stuffing. Because in the end amigurumis almost always demands more stuffing that you might think.

All and all, more good than bad today. Things are moving in the right direction. Touch wood and a brand new year.

on the first day of 2015

I was woken up by an unknown drunken caller at 6 am who felt a dire need to leave a rambling message on the phone. Unhappy, tired bunny.

I had a piece of the left over gooey chocolate cake from yesterday. Happy bunny tummy and soul.

I had nearly finished work - yes even on New Year's Day, no rest for the wicked Prosit, because I do love writing and I do love a decent invoicing - when suddenly the Wifi didn't work on the computer didn't work. When I turned the computer off - you know, the fine three months old one I bought in September... - a fail message appeared on the screen that didn't bode well. Fingers crossed it will have sorted itself out during the night. Oh, go on, call me a miserable bunny.

Needless to say I am wondering what this might mean for the brand new year. Mixed blessings?

the prosit sisters proudly present laptop skin and case

The new laptop has now been dressed in what can most likely be described as the most awesome skin ever. The Prosit sisters as kittens.

The customized skin was ordered at Schtickers and I'm very pleased with the quality in general. But there are two details that glitch. 

A) The fact that you have to rely on eye measurement when you change the uploaded size of the photo. It looked fine on screen but irl it is visible (to me) that the sisters' heads are a bit too flat and squeezed together compared to the actual photo. The sizing procedure should be more accurate.

B) The second glitch is that the sizing of the corners of the skin isn't perfect. They need a bit of a trim. I thought I measured the flat surface perfectly, not sure it's my fault or not. And I suppose it's reasonably easy to trim myself.

That apart, a very high degree of adorable loveliness indeed.

The new laptop has also received a proper case. Or you could also say, little sister iPad case (made from recycled PET-bottles and wool) has now a big sister. 

For weird and unknown reasons the Swedish company P.A.P's laptop cases has been adjusted to MACs only. By which they obviously miss a huge potential in customers.

I'm just pleased my laptop apparently is of the perfect case size despite being a happy non-MAC. So the 15" size is a perfect fit. I love its simplicity, design and material.

Both skin and case have been paw inspected and approved. By both Prosit sisters. Apparently the cases are great scratching cases for cats too. Who knew.

prosit has a new computer

Say hello to my and Prosit's new computer! I'm so pleased to finally get it. The old one, which came to live with me 4+ years ago, has been acting up more and more lately so it was time to look for something new. And this is what I decided on. It's a HP Pavilion and I feel it offers what I'm after as well as being rather snazzy looking. I'm so glad to have a white/silver computer this time, it's fresh and inspiring and hopefully we'll spend many years (well, at least 4+) together in a most prosperous way!

I've just ordered what I hope to be a fantastic customized skin for the new PC, very Prosit it is, because surrounding oneself with beauty and inspiration is always a good thing to do of course. And then there'll be a proper case for it. I'm hoping that I can get one from Swedish company P.A.P, like the one for the iPad. But it may be the silly little case of they only make cases for MACs. So if that's the case (no pun intended) I'll try and find another sturdy cover that's made of recycled materials.

The new computer has been inspected by the small sized woollies and I think they're pretty impressed. They have also promised to do their bit with keeping it clean and fresh with their little pink vacuum. If not there may be a case of restricted cafe visits and with-holding pastries. And that would be disastrous from a bobbaloo point of view I'm sure.

winds of change

So on this last day of Christmas and New year's holidays I thought it would be nice with a summary of sorts. What I have done, felt, accomplished and what I have not. See, I had big plans on cleaning, cleansing and shuffle around things and messy stuff in the house. That I have done very little of.

But what I have done/got - which always is much nicer to concentrate on, wouldn't you agree? The things we accomplish and enjoy, not our shortcomings and room for improvement-features - are;

~  enjoyed good food - and not really Christmassy food since I've never appreciated that kind of food, not only because it's terribly animal flesh concentrated per se, I don't enjoy the vegetarian version either. Not really my type of food. With some few exceptions.

~ the relaxation away from thoughts and mind revolving around work

~ the knitting and crocheting

~ the swearing over the fact that the internet/broadband really doesn't work as it's suppose to (what I pay for) - had a sneaky suspicion it was the computer singing its last tune, turned out it isn't. Tomorrow I will have to deal with that nuisance too.
~ the scent of hyacinths

~ good talks - admittedly there have been some less than good ones too. I really do not appreciate how those retrieve less than pleasant traits in me. Although life as a saint would be terribly samey and dull due to no room for improvement and growth I suppose.

~ a certain fox jacket

~ good walks - although I would have liked more of those, but weather has really not been outdoors inviting, more of indoors snugglingish. So that's alright. It has after all been lovely to snuggle.

Tomorrow the new year begins for real. And while I am right where I should be in certain aspects of my life, others really need to change. Well, I'm probably at the right place period, what I mean is that in certain areas in life I am calm and content, whilst in others I am now ready and open for a lot of change, improvement and shift of focus.

Life is bittersweet as in it is not a constant, it always urges on, we evolve and change with it. I do believe I'm at that phase in life where I can understand and fully embrace that fact. In all its bittersweetness. I hope you can too.

the kånken backpack

The classic Swedish rucksack Kånken (which would translate something like The Lug) from company Fjällräven (The Arctic Fox) has been around since 1978 and came about due to the fact that (apparently) back problems had begun to appear in increasingly younger age groups in Sweden at that time. It's a simple, durable and very practical no-fuss design and it soon became a common sight at pre-schools and schools. 

I never had a Kånken when I was a child, I've never been much of a backpack-person nor have I had issues with my back. My mother is very much a backpack person though - thus it's a perfect gift to look for whenever we're travelling - and she has gone through several Kånken over the years.

Kånken is still a very popular rucksack model in Sweden and the other Nordic countries, extremely so  amongst the environmental movement people I'd say. Kånken does signal, rightly or wrongly, a certain type of person. Or at least it has. These days it's visible in all kinds of contexts and groups of people. A rather endearing sight I think. Almost 35 years old design and still going strong, in all age groups. These days it comes in many different sizes and lots of colours (not only the classic blue one), it's rather tricky to chose just one if you're about to get one.

As I did a couple of weeks ago. Yes, finally I'm also an owner of a Kånken. One reason being that it is after all quite practical to fit lots of stuff into a backpack (camera, lenses and computer) instead of jamming it all down a big handbag. And even if I mostly wear messenger bags with the strap across the chest it does take its toll on the shoulders and neck...

I and Prosit planned to get the classic large size Kånken, but ended up with the laptop "17 one. Even if I won't always carry the laptop with me of course it's a terribly practical way to carry it when you have to. Still good for business meetings, with or without computer.

Colour-loving me would have loved to have a green or blue Kånken, but I chose a practical colour instead - plus the "17 size one doesn't offer a lot of choices, which perhaps might be good. I bought the Forrest green one at first, but when I realized the dark colour might bleed on all my light coloured garments and stuff I exchanged it for the Sand coloured one. Still a practical colour, tad boring, but it won't look dirty as lighter, brighter colours might and it goes with everything. All year around.

With its cute, somehow huggable, design it gets the bobbaloo thumbs up. Although they thinks it's a perfect bag for ALL bobbaloos to tag along on outings and fika excursions instead of having to be confined to a small sized travel cabin. I do not agree. The Bobbaloo Travel Cabin has not been upgraded yet.

How's your relationship with backpacks, love or hate, indifferent?
Do you know Kånken, perhaps you even have one (or more) yourself?

what i learnt during the weekend

It has been an eventful week. Given my current health status quite an exhausting one.

Doctor's appointment, blood samples, lung x-ray - no sign of anything abnormal, which is of course good but still, the way I feel is anything but normal and it would be nice to have something very tangible to explain it, not just "the blood samples and your blood status show an infection of some sorts". Perhaps I'm feeling a tad better, but not at all as one would like to feel after two plus months of this... Two weeks and then I'll go back to Dr Feist to check my blood status again. Until then, be nice to myself. Don't overestimate my energy level, take it easy.

Now to the weekend's Geek Girl Meetup - which surely, after the avocado debacle earlier in the week, couldn't be that bad? And of course it wasn't, I wish I could be excited, but I'm not, though it was nice, met some interesting people (some of which I knew via Twitter and Instagram) with whom I would like to have talked some more. The circumstances didn't allow that, so I hope there will be room for that at a later date, on another occasion.

A few things I take with me from the event are;

~ I don't do the group thing -

something which I already knew, but still, I much rather talk one on one with people. Too bad there's most always rarely room or time for that, we're always forced into group situations.  And there are always people in those group situations that want to dominate, that aren't the least bit interested in listening to others and interact.

~ I love it when people are passionate about what they work with or have as a hobby or special interest -

but that doesn't mean that everyone who is passionate about what they do are good speakers and great at conveying the message and their passion in a fascinating way. In fact, many are quite yawn inducing instead.

~ I really am not the least bit interested in the technical parts regarding Internet, computers and social media -

not even spending time with geek girls who are makes it rub off

~ Beautiful Data (the theme for the event) to me is something which is aesthetically pleasing to the eye and mind, good design, great colours, fonts, graphics, snazzy texts and great pictures -

obviously beautiful data is something completely different to these kind of geek girls...

~ Geek girls are much more open to different non 9-5 lifestyles and have an open mind towards different ways of thinking. Outside the box rocks -

but like in any group, profession, specialist area the bromos, expressions and concepts flourish and if you don't speak or think the lingo, well too bad boohoo

~ To not have to even bother with having to pre-order a vegetarian lunch since at least half of the lunch served is already vegetarian by default is just such a huge relief.

~ I do adore the fact that the name badge strings were shoe laces. Too nerdy and cool for words really. Still contemplating which shoe pair they will adorn.

My intention was to attend the event both days, however I was exhausted came Saturday evening, to attend Sunday too just wasn't an option. I doubt I'll attend next year - I think this was the third annual unconference meetup - still, it was very nice to see what all the fuss is about. Even if not world-turning and wow-factorish for me personally, I'm just not that kind of geek girl.

So, what did you learn this past weekend?

tetris, scandinavian chairs and pastries

Browsing Etsy is most always a dangerous thing. Because the cornucopia of must-haves-and-wants that's Etsy is quite overwhelming. And even if many a thing is quite reasonably priced (rather too reasonably at times actually) and you can find pretty much anything you search for, the lust-for-unnecessary-things-gene is quite tempted when browsing Etsy pages. Thus I try not to browse too much, even if it's darn difficult.

And when I do I usually just make the most of the enjoyable favourite-button. Which allows you to save everything you lust for, dream of in a wish-list. Being a terribly nifty thing to have when you'd like to treat yourself or someone else to something special and handmade. Or when possibly someone asks you what you want as a gift for a special occasion or just because (oh I love those just-because-gifts). Etc, etc.

Being the confessed earring semi-addict I have to say that the things I fell the most (affordable) in lust with on Etsy are earrings. They may be inspirational for making something new myself, but mostly I fall for the kind of earrings that don't fall into that category, the quirky, lovably crafted ones that involve sharp tools, acids and open fires (which is very far from where my talents lie).

Thus two of my recent Etsy purchase have been just that, earrings. The only computer game I've ever fully enjoyed is Tetris - I had it on my very first own computer some 20 years ago, it was great fun and totally crazy addictive so I did stop playing it when there came a new computer in da house - so when I saw the Tetris-earrings in the DayDefyProject shop I found them adorable. As did I the 1950ies style chairs in that era's Scandinavian design, from same shop. Made from brass and I've enjoyed the pairs very much. Their delicate yet rustic handmade and charming looks are adorable in real life too.

Myself I'm not a fan of stud earrings, I like a bit of oomf and dangle in my ears, but the mother loves her earrings in stud-style. And what better place to look for cute ones than Etsy. So two pairs of sweet things made their way here for her recently. One pair of miniature chocolate-banana cupcakes studs and one pair of fruit tart studs made of polymer clay, found in DivineSweetness shop. Once again - remember strawberry ice cream cones and chocolate cake, remember cheese and grapefruit - I'm in complete awe of what people can create from minuscule pieces of clay and paint. If one was a mini midget one would quite possibly mistake these for edible mouthwatering delectables...

gadget dressed in pink

If and when one gets a gadget (necessary or not) it is quite important that it gets spruced and personalized in style. So even if I most seriously doubt I will ever be an iphoneic fanatic, the gadget is kind of neat.

And you can dress it in how much pink you'd ever want. And it does obviously need protection. And if it needs protection it might as well be cute, handmade and if possible affordable is a nice feature too. For such things I always look to Etsy.

So first the iPhone (which should get a name, I know) got a pink tartan - because things just don't get better than pink + tartan - hard cover. And then the hunt for a befitting sleeve begun. And boy, do they sell iPhone sleeves galore on Etsy... I ended up charmed by a vintage pink and white striped cotton and linen slip, padded with eco-friendly wadding.

It arrived sweet looking and with a faint scent of dried flowers. Unfortunately the inner sleeve itself is too small for holding the iPhone with its hard cover, so it has to rest in one of the outer pockets instead. Which leaves room, when necessary, for the charger in inner sleeve, so it works well anyway. It is a charming summer sleeve indeed. Found at polkadots & blooms, who has lotsa cute stuff in shop.

Then I could not resist - because who could really?! - this adorable squidgy squirrel felt iPhone cozy. It arrived looking cute beyond my expectations and phone with hard cover fitted most perfectly and snug inside. It will be a perfect winter sleeve companion.

Only one teeny problem though, it is so precious it could do with a protective sleeve on its very own. Found at Xinwen, who has more felt cuties up her sleeve (oh a bit of pun intended).

the perky turquoise stool

Yes, this will mainly be a post about a once very worn but now very perky old stool, but in order to get there I'll start with something else;

With some old things there's just no options than with a sigh say goodbye, no coat of paint that will make them come back to life and put a smile on your face. Goodbye I finally and well overdue had to say to ol' computer, for a long time reasonably reliable (as reliable as a computer will ever be...) but no longer keeping up with the amount of photos, info or demands I have (which are by no means unreasonable but for oldies they apparently are).

A little netbook named Selma might be a blessing and useful on-the-go-and-travel, but for daily business (and the lack of a decent screen) it's just not very practical or ergonomic. The new one has a lot of nifty things up its imaginary sleeve (that one has to get used to), it gladly accepts a whole lot of more photos and says yes to demands. It's clean, smells nice and new, I hope it will keep out of trouble, be faithful and make the life of me much easier.

This is the first blog-post it writes. May it be a good one and may there be many more to come.

Now for the things that can come to new life with some upcycling, some stroke of paints, a bit of yarn, love and time. A stool that was, beneath the perky paint still is, an old, to say the least, shabby looking one full of drill holes (as my father used it as a work- and drill surface). But it was, still is, a sturdy and uncomplaining being. As well as of a good size and comfortable height. Beyond its rugged looks hid something worth saving and transforming. From then to now, here's the short story of the perky turquoise stool ~

Before makeover begun

After a few coats of paint (hue was tad lighter and brighter than planned, but its Caribbean bright and perky looks makes me all happy and smiley)

The transformation would not stop at a coat of paint, oh no. The happy vibey granny squares I made earlier (before I even planned the revamping the stool) would indeed make a perfect cover and the crocheted cherry on the turquoise sundae.

The stool got its cover, the granny squares their stool. And all is well in the world of paint, yarn and blessed snappy new computers.

~~ Oh, and a happy midsummer to you too! ~~

friday reflections

:: Today I did the unthinkable in the world according to me; I wore slingbacks with tights. A grand no-no as far as I'm concerned, but left foot needed change and heels and the weather + shoes in wardrobe didn't offer much choice.

It is good to challenge yourself now and then - and this challenge falls into the category of not-shawing-your-legs-before-having-a-massage-or-leg-involving-doctor's-appointment and the-non-using-of-deodorant-for-one-day-unknowingly-but-still, the horrific but somehow manageable category - and it wasn't (didn't look) as bad as I usually think it does.

That might have something to do with the fact that the tights I found while rummaging my stockings-bag were deep wine-red and they rather complimented the brown shoes (el naturalista rana tharu in brown). And left foot was reasonably happy throughout the day.

Will not be a regular feature in my appearance out and about. But, (not counting the oh so visible in sun cat hairs all over) apart from the tights getting all dusty, it was okay for a day.

:: Contextually the above colour tights/shoes I have found this past few years that there's most always easy to find and combine to good to be true nuances and colour combinations of the already existing wardrobe content. I'm not sure that should be admitted, as soMe would see that as a sign of wardrobe being more than enough extensive. I call it 'subconcious colour instinct prudence'.

:: As I rant on a semi-regular basis I trust meteorologists as much as the average politician ie not at all. I have however decided to give them the benefit of the doubt this weekend, as they say there'll be really bad, grumpy weather and I feel that any excuse for staying tucked under cover, resting foot, snoozing, reading, writing and crocheting/knitting should be taken for the uttermost truth.

:: On Saturday I will get out of bed to cook though. On the menu is this whopping thing of an organic (secretly on stereoids) courgette. And it wasn't even the biggest of the bunch. The dish will surely last all weekend, and then some.

:: The alarm clock snooze certainly must be one of the greatest inventions ever.

:: I've just finished reading 'We bought a zoo' by Benjamin Mee. It's far from the perfect book, but I think that it was the real life imperfection that made me love it the more. Though its major flaw is the more than rather annoying lack of a decent setting of the book, really, publishers...

:: On Sunday it's the lovely, very important Cinnamon Bun Day. My buns are in the freezer, ready to be thawed. I couldn't be bothered to bake my own this year, so I got them at the always grand Enskede Gamla Bageri (home of the Stockholm super semla).

:: Where did September go? I blinked and then it was October. And, too soon, I will be one year older. Hopefully wiser at least. And I take comfort in the fact that it is the month of stripy woolly leg warmers.

:: Today was the last day of computer class - well perhaps I can wriggle it into five more weeks just to cram in another course at a later date. Which would be terribly good if I could - celebrated in style with an afternoon tea at lovely as always Ester's. If there was such a thing as scones coma, that would be the place to get one.

:: Job interview next week. This has been a long, very long time pending kind of interview. I believe they have seriously mismanaged the whole recruitment process, but still on paper and as a notion it does sound like a very, very interesting function. And besides, call me weird, I most always think attending interviews is quite fascinating and fun. As analyzing people and their behaviour always is. A job interview is such an interesting two way process of appraisal and approval (or not).

On my part there will not be any tights in slingbacks.

:: Word of the day; huggermugger. What's not to love about such a splendid word.

~

~ Now go right ahead and have

a lovely first October weekend ~

enter skyeblue el naturalista iggdrasil clogs

As much as it may seem so, this isn't the incredible Hulk stepping into my garden showing his true feminine colours, only little ol' me celebrating the fact that I've been such a diligent pupil for these past months, cramming more courses than originally planned and finishing the last one today, *hurray*.

And a celebration in style does call for new shoes. Somehow.

I am aware of acquiring quite a few shoes lately, but I was in real and urgent need of comfortable shoes of the right kind, thus they have all ticked most all the right boxes;

:: irresistable looks (incl gorgeous colour and cute details)- check
:: comfortable, foot hugging - check
:: well though through (incl organic) design and excellent craftsmanship - check

:: on sale - check for some

This model - the Iggdrasil clogs, siblings to the so moodlifting Oxfords - was actually the very first El Naturalista shoes I ever tried a few years back. It was love at first try, like stepping into old, incredibly cushioned slippers, however it took until now to get a pair. The inauguration of these skyblue - just the name, just the colour, just the hue makes me happy - will naturally have to wait until spring. Because they do so fall into one of my definite clothes and shoes no-nos category; no tights or socks ever with sling backs, clogs, slippers or peep toes. Shudder.

But come spring, come warmer weather, I am sure they'll make me and my feet very pleased. As well as the not so small detail of being a reminder of a job well done. On the last day of September 2009.

monday musings

:: The countdown for last day in class that has turned me into a computer wiz - not really, but it has been overall great fun, interesting and I would now love to get into practising the whole shebang for real - has finally begun. Friday is class out. It has been intense and I'm so tired, inside out. Maybe I'm a wuss, but absorbing new stuff, cramming information and problem solving pretty much every day 11 weeks straight has left me rather washed out and I'm so looking forward to the upcoming weekend of deep sleep already.

And after deep sleep, for whom it may concern, there will be a lot of catching up on email replies and such.

:: The cold a few weeks back came and went without too much fuss. For tin can me it was a ridiculously light kind of cold. Touch wood. Wee piglet visit perhaps.

:: Wanted - one pair of red leggings last seen on August 31st 2009. I've looked everywhere, yes I have, clean laundry piles, laundry basket, wardrobes, hangers, nondescript piles, they are nowhere to be found. Please come home. The sooner the better. Preferably the very now.

:: Every weekday morning I am amazed - in the very very non positive way - over all the sluggish high school kids who instead of walking for five minutes (at the most) to get from the train station to their school, stand waiting (yes) for the bus that will take them one bus stop to the high school. The only disability they show is insufficient brain function, indolent jerks. Just ridiculous beyond belief really. And I bet they don't eat their five veggies a day either.

In my school days we did walk five miles one direction in blizzards. With no shoes on.

Not really. But we did walk. A lot. And there was just not thought of to take the bus, train, tram whatever when one could walk or ride the bike.

:: I do believe my (very pre-birthday) treat of a pedicure tomorrow is very well deserved. Oh the delight of someone else doing the scrubbing, the foot filing, the massaging, the pampering. Pure bliss of the tired feet kind.

thursday thought overturns

:: Was fortunate to share seats on train home today with the most adorable Rhodesian Ridgeback girl, 1,5 years old and such an irresistable, gamine, happy sweetheart. She apparently accompanied owner to her job at posh Stockholm department store every day where she had the best of times. Talk about company perk, such workplaces are totally enviable and too, too rare. Pleasantly surprised that that store of all places had such generous dog policies for employees.

Such little encounters really brighten up the day. A really nice round off to my-commuting-day. Which began quite in the other end of pleasantness.

:: Both train and bus were full of screaming school kids this morning. Accompanied by teachers who clearly don't embrace the word discipline in their vocabulary. Instead they just sit smiling in a not-all-hens-in-the-henhouse unworldly way, while the rest of the passengers try to escape to a calmer corner of the carriage.

When did things went so completely and utterly wrong with Swedish schools, discipline and overall common sense consideration? When I was a kid - which isn't all that long ago in the bigger picture. Really - the teachers, with few exceptions, did keep order in class and when on school trips and outings. And guess what, there was most always a bus pre-reserved for such trips(since the busdrivers repeatedly urge the today's teachers to do just that when the kids rampage the buses, I'm boldly guessing that option is still available).

Basic simple consideration should be as natural today as it was then. Instead there's just too much lost connections and glitches in brains of today.

:: I heart "Little Britain". The multilayered thoughtprovoking blend of mundane freaky (in real life existing in one shape or other) characters and phenomenas, with the horrific, borderline hilariously disgusting storylines is simply brilliant. People who are willing to flaunt their imperfections like this while making fun of themselves and others quirks and flaws are so admirable.

Currently they're bringing culture class and dignity to the US of A on Swedish television. Love it.

:: Why do teenage girls look like clones these days? At least the Stockholm teenage girls, they seem strangely void of personality and character, they look the same, they act the same, they talk the same. Huzzah for the exceptions to the clone-rule!

:: I've alwaysish thought it prudent when one finds a garment of some sorts one really loves, for some reason or other, one should get more of the same model (within reason and if possible of course). Just to avoid any regrets when a perfect model is discontinued (I'm thinking the obvious example for gals being the hard-to-find-the-perfect-fit/model bra) and why spend money and time looking for second best fit when one can get the best fit in different colours?

That said being true to the notion I got three really sweet, soft and comfy, perfect for any occasion shortsleeved cardigans on end-summer-sale. In a bamboo-viscose blend (one off-white, one pale pink, one dark grey) they've all been a source of comfort and joy.

As I've never worn anything bambooish before I was very careful following the washing instructions for the first-in-washing-machine-cardigan to the letter. But when hang to dry I was in dispair since it had seemingly stiffened and shrunk to this ridiculous almost-doll-size cardigan. Whatever should I do with the other two when washing?

As it turned out, when the cardigan had dried it, quite magically, returned to its original size, its original sweetest softness again. The strangest and luckiest thing.

:: Really wholeheartedly enjoying this latest class with Dreamweaver. Discovered I unknowingly already knew most of the stuff (at the same time as I get answers to those little things here and there I've wondered about. I e getting a completeish grasp of useful nerd terms), but now I have it 'on paper' as well.

Admitting to this I realise I'm most probably way behind in being a cool, trendy on the edge computer savvy type, so be it, I chose to ignore while not so secretly flaunt that imperfection by saying that Dreamweaver rock my world. At least in a not-hugely-worldturning-but-still-pleasantly-uplifting-and-most-enjoyable-way.

:: Besides I belong to the (not so long ago really) 'generation' that thought writing one's uni degree finishing essay on an electric typewriter was the very essence of up-to-date-progress. Not only thought actually, it was. For a short while yet.

When I got round to wrapping up the whole thing - 'the thing' being a go through and analyze of the Swedish fiscal offence legislation. Oh my, does that seem eons away... - for a graduation I had turned computerized (übercool, my middle name). To be able to actually layout and presenting an essay in the ways offered by Word back then was, well... pretty darn cutting edge. Actually.

Not so long ago.

:: Have been experiencing intense, painful problems with left foot plantar fasciitis. I very much and completely blame a particular pair of shoes. What-began-as-not-cheap-new-favourite turned out to be less-than-up-to-usual-standard-quality ones (note i m m e n s e disappointment).

I'm able to make a complaint and get a new pair of shoes (if size and colour still available, touch wood), still, who knows when pain will subside, ah and my disappointment, the battered trust in the brand.

Goes to show with perfect and painful clarity, never trust a seemingly trustworthy brand to always fullfill your search (and dream) of the perfect shoe.

:: Where did this past week go? Can't grasp the fact that it's borderline Friday already. I'm very much leaning towards unplanning of weekend plans. It would be rather wonderful to just have a really laid back-sleeping-reading-watching-movies-weekend. And possibly some weather permitted biking of course.

That is, if computer says yes.

thursday thoughts, the random sort

:: Been feeling quite relaxed yet focused, all over content and satisfied all week, gotten loads done. I'm pretty certain it has something to do with the bike as well as using a generous amount of Nuxe Multi Purpose Dry Oil every day.

:: Tomorrow I will finish yet another project in computer class, yay! See above for my overall relaxed and yet focused reasons for that. Reward to myself for this achievement is to start reading a new book. What will it be, what will it be, oh the sweet bliss of brand new book.

:: Still, even if I have felt this sense of peace and contentment all week, it is annoying beyond words when people's cells ring constantly in classroom.
A) One usually doesn't have to be reached all.the.time. Life was good, life worked before the cellphone era too. Really.
B) Ever heard of the mute feature?

Extra annoying when they actually don't take their calls outside classroom but continue chatting nonsense when the rest of us actually are there to learn something. These overaged teenagers (in this case middleaged women) are also chatting private stuff in between themselves oblivion to the learning process of others.

However I can't be bothered comment (complain) about their lack of consideration (anywhere else than here). See above reasons for that.

:: I find it very curious that the suppliers of the public transportation system always make a huge deal about (the growing numbers of) gate-crashers when the trains, subways and buses keep running late. When one as a commuter pay for train/subway/bus tickets (month cards) it's a tacit understanding that one pays for the transportation to run on schedule and not waste all commuters valuable time.

Minutes, quarter of an hour, half hour, hour, more, in a year that amounts to a lot of lost time. User pay for the ticket - supplier make darn sure the system runs on time, if not it's a breach of contract, hence why should users have to pay full ticket (month card). I pay my tickets (month cards), and I grump about the system. I secretly applaud the civil disobedience of gate-crashers (minus the usual slacker free-riders).

:: When the bus is full of empty seats, why do some people insist on sitting next to others unknown (me)? I really like my space and being able to read comfortably in peace, not having someone irritating rubbing against one (me). Get your own seat will you.

:: I remember when in school (stone ages) we learnt heaps of new words in the dictionary every week and had word and spelling-tests every week (in Swedish "glosprov"). I loved that. I still remember the two words I got wrong. Call me a word-nerd. I've decided to have my own private one-new-word-a-day challenge - word of today: curmudgeon.

:: Had a conversation a while back about my job applications. Hot tip was that I really should curb my enthusiasm while applying, because The Employer's view on such energetic applications is 'how will this qualified and motivated person cope with the every day dullness of work?'. Silly me for thinking employers were looking for motivated, creative, passionate employees.

:: I've always wondered who exactly gets on and off at those strange bus stops you see in the middle of nowhere. Or seemingly nowhere. The living-under-the-tree-people? The gnomes, the trolls, the fairies?

:: As one (me) don't have a 9-5 life one (me) don't use as much of the wardrobe content as one (me) used to. Despite my closet cleaning episodes I still do have lots and lots of lovely garments I'm very fond of and want to wear. It's just that these days usually I don't have all that many obvious opportunities to wear them (unless I see it fit to strut around the garden, mow the lawn, walk the dog in snazzy suits and pretty dresses).

So with this above course episode I've decided that I'm going to keep an outfit diary. Just for myself - certainly no sharing of outfit-of-the-day photos online, been there, done that, it wasn't much fun really - to make sure I make the most of my wardrobe and combinations. Just because pretty clothes make me happy too, seeing them, wearing them. Indeed all this rekindle with outfits buzz might have something to do with the aforementioned feeling of contentment, relaxed focus and sweet satisfaction. I admit to being shallow that way, call me multilayered.

To Pimp A Netbook

Having become a proud owner of a netbook and being reasonably interested in making her feel safe and mine, all mine in a cute, protective yet by no means overdone blingish way I have been able to

A) find a really lovely netbook sleeve - on Etsy of course, Janine King designs, fabric being purple poppies, isn't it just a grand moodlifting thing?
B) attach a fantastic colour changing mouse to her so I don't have to bother with that ridiculous inbuilt thing - yes I know, to be excited by a colour changing mouse may not be either grown up nor hip, but it really is kind of quite cool...

C) Too make it a perfect protective threesome I'm now looking for a skin to protect the wee thing from all the fingerprints that seem to positively glue themselves to her - yes her and I have named her too, so what.

Preferably I'd like to make a skin (self-adhesive sticker) from one of my own photos, so far I've searched in vain for a company closer to home that offers that. Anyone who has any suggestions where to find netbook skins like that, other than the one company I've already found on the other side of the big pond?

Please note that I'm not interested in pottering with this on my own, I'm looking to upload the designated photo, crop it in a pleasing way, get the job professionally done, the finished and great looking product sent to me for a reasonable price.

Her name is Selma and yes, she'd very much like a protective skin of her own.