Post London

Mitt liv fortsätter på svenska

http://alorsondance.blogspot.com/

Svengland

Gott folk, jag har landat på svensk mark. Det blev nästan ett tårfyllt farväl men som tur var sov den yngsta pojken när vi kom till flygplatsen. Senan(4år) kallade mig mum och bjöd mig på sitt 5 årskalas och frågade ständigt ''will you miss me, I'll miss you more'' och den yngsta förstod nog att jag skulle ''lämna dem'' när han sa ''Elna, huggie!'' och var allmänt gnällig. Sötaste barn! Kommer sakna dem och Yanet som alltid var vid min sida när barnen var för jävliga:D!

Spenderade cirka 9 timmar på tåg, flyg och flygplats! Kom hem vid tio och välkomnades av ett rum fullt av ''välkommen hem elna''-kollage av Metta som sov djupt i sin säng. Hon hade bett mor och far att väcka henne när jag kom hem vilket jag försökte. Då snackar vi aggresiv väckning. Men enda gensvar var ett okejokejokej i sömnen. Sen fick jag kvällsfika med hemmabakat bröd, svensk ost(som smakar annat än mild cheddar:S), bregott. Och himmelska fröjder, osthyveln! Den bästa svenska matutrustnings-uppfinningen EVER! Gick nästan loss på a-fil, sill, smörgåsgurka men fick hejda mig i sista stund! Svenska mejerivaror är förmodligen de bästa i världen! Dock upptäckte jag att Skånemejeriernas mjölk inte smakade så olika från den engelska. Var jag bara trött eller har hela min världuppfattning om att allt från Skåne är det bästa och godaste förstörd?

Har spenderat hela förmiddagen med att packa upp och sortera. Det är helt otroligt vad man(jag) kan samla på sig på 3 månader. Jag är vad man kallar en ''collector''. Det går i generna. Min pappa och farfar var och är likadana. När min farfar dog var hans rum fyllt av allt från himmel till jord.

Joggade en tur runt Hässleholmsgården. Jag upptäckte inte bara att min motion har förbättrats men också att jag fortfarande är helt inne i Londontänket. Skyltarna ser helt främmande ut. Tänkte först att det var ett främmande språk när jag såg en skylt på svenska.

Och - verkligen - kul, KUL att komma hem från ett blommande London med utslagna syrener, utblommade körsbärsträd och grönska till ett vindpinat och kallt Skåne! Får se det positiva jag kommer uppleva en till vår i år med bokskogar och vitsippor!

Vänja sig vid och vänja sig av med:
Jag kan inte ta mig hem när jag vill, bussarna går inte på natten.
Sluta direktöversätta engelska uttryck till svenska eller prata svengelska (se: I'm fine -Jag är bra, sorry? - vad sa du
? osv osv)
Jag kan skriva åäö på tangentbordet, även om den sidan av tangentbordet inte använts på cirka 3 månader.
Jag har ett mindre rum(bytt med Metta)
Jag får inte pengar varje fredag
Jag får inte pengar varje fredag......aka jag kan inte köpa vad jag vill hela tiden.....

This was England

Went early last morning to see a middle-age village. I'm so used taking the train/bus everywhere so it was pretty nice going by car! Went to see Arundel and the castle within the village. Gary who I went with, said it was his favorite village so I was expecting the best;) In the first section it was really....middle age. With cold rooms and hole in the walls. But then we came to the later colonial-style-section. And oh my. I could live there! Satin on the walls, different patterns everywhere. But the best part: the library. They had a library with an indoor balcony and a ladder. My most important rooms will be kitchen, bathroom and library! One room for everything. No living room. A salon, library, room with the bar(every house need a room for drinking), and a room with a projector for movies/television. I'm thinking all in style with colonial-1930's-England.

Arundel is kind of a 'touristy' village with lots of souvenirs and cafes. Went to the Tudor Rose and had the classical Ploughmans. A salad consisting of either stilton/cheddar or brie with some crust bread, iceberg salad, cucumber, tomatoes, pickled onions, some sort of pickles(reminded of chutney) and beet-root. Talking of beet-roots, according to Jamie Oliver in his programme about Sweden we're mad about beet roots.......

Only time I have beet roots is maybe when having oven-roasted vegetables. Ridiculous Jamie. I have no respect for you anymore!

So today I've been showing Liesa -the new au pair- around and giving her some tips. And tonight the family is taking me, the cleaner and Liesa for a goodbye-dinner. Looking forward to pizza express!!!

But I'm kind of worried how I will be able to stuff all my things in my bag... No worries about the weight, but the place:S

London, farwell?

Me - sentimental? Nah, I just build up a wall of ignorance in some kind of protection from getting hurt or actually miss the place I'm leaving. Like I always do. I've actually built myself a new life here, and now I'm leaving.
Did it when a close relative got cancer and when we moved from Mellby. 'Just ignore and it won't happen slash go away'. Right now I'm sentimental thinking about coming home to mummy....I feel like a baby. I want to be baby -taken care of. And be able to snuggle my little sister. And having long saturdays home without a 2 year old waking me up. Or being able to come and go as you want.

Been exhausted from last week. So no long nights out, but some good company I say! Spent my saturday at Lin's. So much fun talking swedish and no one understands you - manipulating their minds! Hahaha...hrrm. And since the camden crawl was on this weekend it was madness in Camden - actually more madness than usual, how that is possible. Also found out. I don't like camden market(I hate that one). It's lock market and stables market I love!

Oh. I've been promised a tour round 'a real englishman village' by Gary tomorrow(bank holiday=day off). It'll be fun. As long as this shit-weather goes away. rainrainrain!

Nice weather for the new german au pair to arrive to. We started talking about the german schoolsystem since she's been to Sweden for 5 months studying our system. The german one is mad, cheer madness. Dividing the students at class 4 in different school. Giving them no chance to improve. They've already been labelled o- and a-level.. But sweden has got some issues as well. Like the teachers who've got no authority whatsoever. You have to be either really tough/cool to be able to control those children. I feel bad for them - the teachers that is! But since I'm not going to be a teacher I don't care.. We also talked about what she thought about sweden. It's always fun to hear what a foreign thinks about sweden:)

Well, counting down the days and enjoying myself. ciao!

The ghost

Oh.My.God. Last night was crazy, or more like yesterday. Long story short, the police brought the boy in the family home.

He went missing after school, or I thought he would make his own way home like he normally does with his scooter. His scooter had gone missing - I asked him if he wanted to go in the care home - he storms off all upset cause of his scooter. 30 minutes later I try to reach him on the phone - no answer - Calls his dad - goes with the car around the block and the school - no result. Comes home - finds out the police got a tip from a resident that he was sitting in some bushes by the school. I mean..... It was the worst thing that could ever happen. I was just relieved he was alive...But still. My god! I was thinking about when I would do something like that. How egoistic, my parents must have been worried sick. Sorry!

Went to the cinema later in the evening to see the Ghost by Polanski. My first Polanski-movie. It was like I guessed - kind of deep. But the footage was nice and why wouldn't it - with Ewan McGregor in picture! Yum!




xoxo

Crazy

I never felt this worn out and stressed and tired at the same time. The weekend started off great with friday night out.

Went to Lin and saw her new room, which is great! and big! We started off with some rose and strawberries!! She also lives with 12 other people, where most of them are Aussies! I must say I like all the australians I've met this far! None of them have actually stolen anything from me(see flight of the conchords). Anywho, me and Lin sat in the living room talking swedish behind their backs; haha! We were planning on going to Covent Garden at first but since all of them were going to Camden and it's always good to have some male company on your way home we just tagged along. Second time on underworld - A pub/club in Camden where they play cheezy 80's and 70's where you know all the songs. I love it:D Of course it's all about who you're there with! Danced ourselves sweaty and morning after I wake up with a bump on my collarbone(!!! it was like my collarbone was sticking out, weird), bruise on my feet, 'lock for oronen', clogged eyes - but no headache! Yeaj! The comment from the guys when Rebecca(one of the residents who were with us) came down for breakfast later 'You look like death'. Somehow when an australian says it, it's so much funnier!! I love their accent and how they're all surfers(!). And by some reason like to watch nature programs all the time(according to Lin and yes, all australians love it)...

Saturday I spent the whole day with Lin as well. Best hungover spent time ever:D Met up with Lins friends Jesper and Vidar, they were on a trip to London, in soho. Spent some time in crazy Camden and bought pick'n'mix-candy in the swedish shop. How pathetic am I? Going home in 1 week but just can't wait for daim and 'losgodis'. Anywho. Finally we went back to Lin and watched some Sex and the city!!!! The weather was btw awsome. 21 degrees and sunsunsun. Went out in my skirt and top and bare legs. It;s summer! Although tricky with the skirt going up in a doubledecker, especially since the skirt is short AND has got a slitz.....Not good!

In the evening I went to Jorge and Kesley's for movietime. SOme musical called Hedwig about an east berlin-transvestite making his way in America singing rock. Great songs - but it won't beat Rocky horror picture show. At 1 o'clock after some gingerbeer and rum and coke I was hammered. Fell asleep next to the dancefloor with the speakers shouting out Milkshake etc. Wanting to go up and dance to Beyonce but my body was just paralyzed. Maybe cause I slept 3-4 hours friday-saturday. I don't know.


I actually slept til 10o'clock sunday morning. Amazing for being me! Went to brick lane and spitalfield(finally). But not at all impressed by spitalfield, preferring Brick Lane! Later I met up with both Rebecca and Josefine, who by some odd reason know each other. Does every swedish au pair know one another?... But unfortunately the sunday didn't give us that much sun as saturday or the last week but it was nice to sit down in the park anyway..

The reason why I feel so tired and stressed is because I've spent 3 hours on trains and buses to get home...Got home an hour ago although I went home from the park at 6...... I miss home(which, until my parents move this fall-surreal, is in Hassleholm). I don't know why. Probably cause I miss being taken care of... 20 minutes til the new episode of Desperate housewives!!

what a wonderful day

Life couldn't be better. Well, I COULD have unlimited access to money and never have to worry about working for money ever again. But that's life I guess. And I COULD have a house in Marrocko(or Spain/France) by the beach and be married to Jamie Oliver and do documentaries for BBC(Where do they get all the money to do them? oh that's right. Honda)...

Well, you can't have everything. I have my friends, my family, my life, my money ( I just found out I have more money on my saving account than I thought. whoa!)

Not that I'm at all attracted by Jamie, but his food! Especially in the episode where he's in Andalucia. I love mediterranean food. So simple! Fish, bread, meat, oil, herbs. Nothing extravaganza but each thing has it's amazing flavour. I want to go around the world and just eat. It's why I love the markets here. It's like the whole world in one place. Mexican, spanish, italian, english, afghan, libaneese, marroccan etc etc. Next episode Jamie's going to Stockholm, muy interesante.. I love programmes about food. It's my passion. Music and food goes hand in hand. Love goes through my tummy and my ears...!

I've decided to go to Roskilde this year. I can just feel that the weather will be wicked and the artists as well! Ahh...summer. I can't feel any worries about anything right know. First time ever since I was 10 years old?!


We are young
We are free
Keep our teeth nice and clean
See our friends
See the sight
Feel Allright!

2010 - the summer of love.

Favourite park a l'Avril: Regent's park. The flowers are literally exploding in there.
( And as the kids in the family should know by now, since I was doodling flowers all over the place last friday and in the end of the day reading Rosalyn's book to the kids about science, the body and dotdotdot - wait for it - flowers, I love flowers).
Tulips, roses, hyacinths, cherry blossom trees, new born ducklings, beautiful people, ice cream, people sunbathing, reading books. I would probably love every city during spring/summer, but let's face it - London is fricking amazing at the time. I mean, if I'm not freezing with only a top on 10pm - it's summer!

Went out friday night. Went to some venue inside/under London Bridge. It was like a dungeon with live music, art exhibitions, short films, performances, bars etc. Quite pretentious people hanging out there but with a mojito in the hand and some old school mixed with cuban salsa - what can go wrong?

Saturday it was SUMMER in London. Went to Borough market for some breakfast and then some sunbathing in Regents park. What can be better than reading a book and sunbathing in Regents Park with 20 degrees and not a cloud in sight?! 2 hours might have been too much for my nose to handle, it didn't burn off but close by. Although all evening I felt the after-warmth from the sun in my face<3.

Met up with Lin in Leicester Square for some dinner later in the evening and then we were heading off to see Lion King. OMG - Nostalgia! Both of us were watching Lion Kings over and over again as kids. As a kid I didn't really have the variety of movies like they do nowadays with a new animated movie every day. My favourites are still the disney movies from the 50's and 60's like Peter Pan and The aristocats where you can see all the hard work. Now it's just computerized and action action action.

I had really high expectations of the musical since everybody told me it was amazing. But still, I had no idea how they would do it, with the costumes and everything. The intro started off with the song and all the animals came in. The costumes were so amazing and the music...and the choreography..

After 5 minutes I couldn't help the tears in my eyes and goosebumps all over my body. Lin and me just sat there in cheer amazement. Everything was perfect from Mofasa's death to Timon and Pumba. Quite strange seeing it in english since I've only heard all the songs in swedish. But it was great! Felt like a child again. And couldn't help but feel envy of the artists. I too want to sing and dance and act.... At first £40 felt like a lot of money but it was worth every penny. If you come to London to see a musical see the Lion King. Best money I've ever spent!

When I live in Malmo I'll start dancing again. I want to dance jazz, show, contemporary, or merengue, samba, salsa.... Too much to choose!

Heading off for London again. Since it's Shakespears birthday today it's free entry to the globe and lots of workshops going on. So long and hello sunny London.
xoxo

Party

How come what party you're voting for is more personal than your sex life. I guess it was more clear before who you voted for. The workers and the men in the coal mines -labour, the aristocrat - conservative. But know the class life has changed some and the parties have increased.

I don't know if it's true, but every time I've asked someone they look at me strangely and says ''hey, that's personal I don't really want to discuss it''. Same thing with religion. But I think that depends on who you're talking to. Someone who's sure of their religion and can discuss it will be relaxed discussing it. But then I've come along some people who I don't think really believe in their god and just want to ignore that with not speaking about it. Which makes me want to talk about it even more. ''The missionaire for non-religious society''. Not really. But then again what is it that they can't explain or justify ( a lot!)

Anywho. In the neighborhood I live in people are pinning up signs with ''Here we vote for lib. democrats''. That's more like it! Sweden has to get off their asses, stop complaining and actually vote or say what they think... I hate people who complain but aren't willing to do something about it.. So for the election in september: please vote, do anything, blank vote. Just vote. OK?! So the percentage will be correct at least. Instead of all 'moderater' voting and the result will be: wow 100% of sweden voted for moderaterna! Although Fredrik Reinfeldt gives me the impression of security and peace. I mean I would rather vote for Reinfeldt than Lars Ohly(I hate how smug he always look like when he's debating!!!!!!) just because I think they would do a better job in the international debates(although we're always neutral so that doesn't matter). But I guess I'll vote for 'miljopartiet'. But I hate that Wetterstrand won't be the spokeman after the election. I like her!

Wow. I just got a real urge for cheese-cake. Not while thinking of wetterstrand but thinking about the cheesecake I had with Boel.....Ah! I've had the urge since yesterday. Wow. When I was younger I hated it(probably cause it wasn't chocolate or icecream or something). How times can change
xoxo

WOW

OMG Way out west is higher on the list than Roskilde festival right now.

WOW got La Roux, Marina and the diamonds, Beach house, The radio dept, M.I.A
Waiting for more. Helooo Gothenburg!

Sleepy eyes

Vaknade med hes rost. Borjar aterigen skriva pa svenska. Kanner att mitt svenska ordforrad borjar sina. Dock kommer jag nog borja skriva pa engelska i nasta inlagg igen, for engelska tangentbord ar inte det ultimata verktyget for att skriva svenska.. med andra ord - irriterande!

Mot dagens slut, eller jobbdagens slut, har aven min energi sinat..Forsoker proppa mig full med c-vitamin men det hjalper kanske bara i forebyggande syfte, om ens det?!

Far angest nar jag inte tranar regelbundet = aven om jag ar sjuk och har ont i halsen. Kanske nagra simtag och lite bastu skulle hjalpa. Battre an att titta pa friends hela kvallen.. Eller?

Acapella

A weekend filled with....BOEL! (My sister)! Picked her up from the airport thursday night(first time driving in England - or ever- in 60 miles per hour and IN THE DARK, I hate M25!

But the weather has probably been the best so far - so lucky us! Friday and saturday were pure summer. Went to the park in a dress, no jacket and the sun was burning on my bare legs! I wasn't even cold we went out friday night!!!!

Short version of our weekend
- Borough Market(eating our way through, with samples of cheese, bread, chocolate, jam - you name it),
- Brick Lane market
- Beddington Park - where some sunburn where well appreciated(by me mainly)
- Cheam Park
- St James Park - where the squirrels attacks
- Hyde Park
- Camden market(where we spent most time looking for soft icecream, ending up buying icecream at tescos and finding an icecream shop next door!)
- The pub
- Going out in S(l)utton - getting to know garridge(the horrible and aggresive music genre english people so love...)
- Falling in love with a street artist singing Kings of Leon
- Making time worth while on national rail with Kings of Leon - Again!
- Falling in love with Brick Lane market(all the foood, all the vintage stuff, all the clooothes)

It's been so much fun! Since I never take any photos Boel brought her flashy camera and had several paparazzi moments:D Ended last day at Brick Lane with some chai and hot chocolate at Sunday up - getting sentimental when they played Talking Heads( I got to buy ''This is talking heads'' and ''Stop making sense''). I love Brick Lanes vintage section, cause although it's ''vintage'' they don't over-prize!!

Not looking forward to a week of work, but planning next weekend to cope and enjoying my ballerina^^

MYS

Have had a long weekend due to bank holiday<3

Went to London friday and had lunch at Nandos with Lin. (I always try to avoid big brand-cafes and restaurants, but Nando's ok and really nice food!) Went to the high street, looked at shoes and drowled over the candy at Selfridge's. Saw the biggest lollipops ever, massive eastereggs for £100, Willy Wonka-chocolate and the jellybeans from Harry Potter(you know the ones with taste of earwax, vomit etc.).

Had my first night out on Old street in the evening. It was a really cool venue with free lollipops in the bathrooms(!!) and the bartender was amazing, I got my own coctail that tasted like a lollipop!!! But they only played techno-dance-music which can be quite tire-ing. The only purpose for techno is if you're tired/really drunk and just want to stand on the dancefloor and rock back and forth....

Had to go up early next day to meet my uncle Jonas with children at Kings Cross. They're spending a week in York and thought of visiting me in London at the same time. Meeting them was one of the best things this weekend. Haven't seem them for ages and since they live ''pa Osterlen'' I don't meet them as often as I want to....Although now they'll be moving to the Canary Islands. I hope they'll stay as long so I can visit:D Anywho, went to Camden market for lunch and just strolled around talking.

Found out Amy's leaving for Italy next week so it was kind of a farewell-night-out:(. And of course since I wanted to take it easy everyone offered me drinks and shots. And am I the person to decline? Of course not... It'll be so bad when I come back to Sweden, cause no one buys you drinks. Swedish people are so cheap(including me;) ). And OMG if I would dress like the girls does here when I come home... everyone will think I'm working on my night out if you know what I mean. Yeah sure, girls can dress how they like but REALLY?! Everytime when I see a girl with tights and a skirt that goes like 20cm over the knees it's like WOOOOOW!

Going to go out and buy some easter-eggs for the children now and feel like the perfect au-pair!
xoxo

morfar

Probably just me who thinks this is fun but my grandfather is in the

Vastebottenkuriren

.

Those eyes..those eyes

Marilyn Monroe got to be the 20th centery's Mona Lisa. Her expressions' so secrative and her eyes looks like an old womans'. This is one of my favourite pictures with her. No extravagant makeup or ''hiding'' glamour, just a Marilyn. Such a tradegy, proof that once again money and fame can get you anywhere, but no stability, love or happiness.



Also, George Barris pictures of Marilyn on the beach, in her late career.

The times they are achanging!

and so are my feelings, my decisions, the things I want, my - everything

I'm not sure what I want for the autumn anymore. Am I ready for some serious studies or should I just enjoy my freedom and party away?

At the same time I'm ready to grow up and take responsibility. Have my own place and settle down.... I am actually only 19 and got plenty of time to relax in between the studies. Right?!

Magnetized - Laura Veirs

'S been a crazy weekend. I'm so sensitive when I don't get the proper hours of sleep that I need. Everything is chaos.

Went to Kesleys ''squat'' friday night. When I came there they were jamming, just the a couple of guys. My first ''jam-session'' ever, with some blues, some Jimi Hendrix and Kesleys and Prims wonderful improvisation(!). Due to lack of musical talent I decided to take on the role as tambourine-man...girl..woman? Anywho, without noticing I think we sat in there for like 3 hours, people coming and going. Felt like 1 hour but someone told I've been sitting there for hours. Got compliments for my exquisid ear for rythm..:D

Since the house is massive with hidden rooms everywhere you meet new people all the time! I love it! And all of a sudden the sun was rising and time was about 6-7(?). Got a couple of hours sleep before I went to Kensington High Street to meet up with ''the Rebeccas'(my new name for Rebecca and Rebecka) and Mia. Finally bought the black blazer from uniqlo I've been wanting to buy for ages and finally had the money for it, plus the blouse from the garden collection at HM. All the fabric is made out of recycled material. Cool!

After going on the streets, while raining cats and dogs- It was literally pouring down on us- we went home to Rebecca who's got the house empty for another 2 weeks(her family is abroad) to freshen up, Later I went in to Leicester Square for a couple of drinks. I was so tired and could barely walk so decided to go home early. Got to bed at one and slept all night(!) - bed sweet bed!

Tuned in on my old playlists at youtube with fleet foxes, the shins and laura veirs. A cup of tea and feeling like middleage(dehydration plus lack of sleep=grrrrreat)

Thinking

I've got a whole lot o' time thinking while nannying. Not the best thing for a person that always analyze stuff to shreds..

But at least I know now what my view of life/religion/etc is. I don't now why but I just want to be able to answer when people ask me, instead of saying ''not atheist, but kind of''. I DO believe there's a God, like there's a mickey mouse - something we have created. But I don't believe in the bible etc. The 10 commandments - it's just common sense and they exist in every religion - ''don't kill, don't steal, don't cheat...''. So if someone asks I think the view closest to my thoughts are existentialism as told by Sartre. I'm too realistic to do or even want to believe in a God. Although my grandfather is constantly telling me '' I also left church when I was 20, you'll find your way back''. Like not eating meat is also something I grow out of... Acceptance, acceptance my friend!

And I constantly think about going back to Paris. I miss that city so much. Sitting in Luxembourg gardens, going to the west bank for italian icecream. It's the one place I always feel I need to go back to. That, and Malmo!!! My little Paris in Sweden.

I feel constantly tired. I sleep like 8 h a night. But still I cant seem to get enough rest. Lack of iron?.....I feel enervated. Maybe not the best if you take care of children...

Anywho, better luck tomorrow!
xoxo

Yeasayer - 2080

I think I 've got a fever and a cold but I'm trying to ignore it. I only ''live'' in the weekends and HAVE to go out then. It's like once you've got into the party-mode you have to party EVERY weekend vice versa, like if you never go out it's like ''I prefer some wine and a dinner''.... But that feeling can easily be awakened by a night out!

I feel ever so effective about this weekend. Friday night I went to Baker Street for a drink, later pub/club in Camden( big dissappointment! 1. swedes all over 2. they played grease(!!!!!!!)).

Anywho I knew that Kesley were having a houseparty in Stoke Newington. So around 1 I went to his place.

Felt weird to go around in the streets where I used to live. Although its my favourite neighbourhood in London. The best people live in the north. Where nobody's english, but Jamaican, Irish, African, jewish, polish etc.

Kesley werent really there when I came. But the house was full of people to talk to so that was okey. I just love Kesleys room. Indian carpets, art on the walls, nice music etc. And always a bunch of crazy people. Finally the man we'd been waiting for came home around 7 and the party went on. I don't know if I'm weak but I actually get tired around 4-5 so I just totally crashed in his tent-installation. Waked up and fell asleep for hours hearing Yeasayer on repeat until 10 o clock when I waked up from someone throwing themselves at the tent. So Yeasayer, for me, now equals half-asleep-mode and Kesley! Haha!

At ten the party was still going strong, but I decided to meet up Linn for some coffee in Notting Hill and had a look at Portobello Market(nothing special really, just a lot of danish people). But we went to a cafe with beautiful bread and wonderful coffee!! Me likey! Linn is leaving on thursday. But I wont be leaving much later, so! I'll see her in Hassleholm or maybe Halmstad:)

Went with Rebecca 1 and Rebecca 2 to Kensington later on for some lunch - I'm obsessed with their quiche at this french cafe. Rebecca's got her house for herself the next 2 weeks = party!!!

I decided, cause of my fever, to rest saturday evening. And was my night saved when I saw they had a Dicaprio special on tv?!!!! Dicaprio is a clear favourite. I dont know if I can say Titanic is a favourite, but I have probably seen it 5 times and still love it. The end is a bit dull, but thats ok. All in all it's great! Dicaprio in a movie is like a proof the movie is ''watchable'. Same with Johnny Depp, Susan Sarandon, Dustin Hoffman, Heath Ledger and some more I've probably forgot!

I must say I like to wake up early. On Sunday I had time for the gym before I went with Rossy to see Fulham versus Manchester City. The game was allright, but it felt like the game never really started, and Man. City totally outplayed Fulham as well. But the sun was shining all through the game. Omg, I almost get sad of joy when thinking about spending time in Malmo, Hassleholm, Osterlen and meet all my wonderful friends and family and just enjoy the summer in parks, houses, beaches with picnics and dinners<3.

xoxo Elna

Analyze this

One of my biggest hobbies - analyze people.

Trying, while young and while in London, to analyze the youth in London.

*For once. Why do they kiss once on the cheek and not two? Is there any other country that doesn't do twice except the UK? Everyone I've met been kissing me on the cheek, even strangers. Didn't see that in Italy and France. What do you say Boel?

*Their texting and abbreviation is so irritating. Can't read a text without a klkl, b4, l8r, m8s, atm, bk. And they write LOL all the time.

This doesn't really go to my analyse. But, should I be offended if someone asks me if I'm married.
1. They think I'm really old
2. I'm really popular on the meat-market, they feel they need to hurry.
3. Everyone gets married really young out here?!

It smells like summer today, it's two weeks to summertime, it's St Patricks day and I have bread-cravings. Damn you England and your bagels but thanks for your early spring!!!!!!

London

A good weekend again!

Going out w Amy friday, went out a bit early but people are always happy to dance at revolution. And Sambucca I've noticed, NOT a good mix with Elna and Sambucca..... And somehow I met a guy with a swedish mum(Agneta - can it get more swedish?), what are the odds in Sutton...

Met Felix saturday night. Went to camden for some beer. (Worst thing about english pubs> Theres never a place to sit!). Went home to his friend and slept on a mattress sunday night. I finally slept for more than 8 hours!!!! altough neck quite soar...Somehow we got to talk about all the negative stuff about England, like the costs of childcare, the bread, the cheese, the heating and their unability to take care of snow, haha. All I like about London is the people. I will miss London when I get home cause there's always something to do and somewhere to go...

cheeky monkey

Since Skype never works and mum won\t ever understand the technique of today I decided to use the family's phone to call!

Metta answered the phone and I couldn't believe we haven't spoken for months... Miss her so much. ''I miss u too, you know, I haven't got any siiblings living at home anymore'' she told me. She's so cute. And grown up! And she's got this polite way of speaking.

She told me about a boy she liked, but he didn't like her back, but he would let her like him anyway. That's so generous(!). Also she told me she's danced with boys. I feel like an old lady who treats the 10 y old like a 5 y old. I don't have a clue what age you do what anymore. I'm trying to think of what I did that age. And it is true, you went to discos etc.

But I was careful anyway trying to find out what kind of dance she danced.
- ''Do you dance around or hold hands?''
- ''It's called tryckare, hihi''
Oh, my little sisters is growing up. I need to come home and teach her all about life;) She doesn't have two older sisters like I did at home teaching me, I guess.

I really look forward to the weekend. Going out w Amy tonight to the place I went to once before. Saturday finally going with Rebecca to see the exhibition with Irving Penn at National Portrait Gallery(on of two favourites) and later on meet Felix at the club his friend is hosting, something with folk and indie - sounds good. And sunday, when I'll be feeling fantastic(!) there's a St Patrick's day-parade at Trafalgar Square. Everybody dress up...in green!

xoxo

I see life in light

Woha! The day kind of started of perfect with Point of view by DB Boulevard. When I look at the lyrics it's kind of exactly my situation right now. Ironical?

My brother is coming this weekend, Boel is booking tickets for April and spring is finally back(knocks on wood). I feel fulfilled by the spring and summer to come. It doesn't matter where I am, I just feel lucky when spring comes!

Did I mention I found two pair of shoes as well, while in Sutton today. Went for some shopping since I have the day off. AND a dress. I love to dress for spring. Trying to stick to my philosphy: dress for the weather you want. It's kind of hard right now, but I'm trying. Quite satisfied with my shoe wardrobe so far: brown, black, cerise, blue and red! More to come!

xxxx

The weekend

The weekend's been speeding away. Monday tuesday you just want the weekend to come, and then it's over. It all goes too fast, but that's what happens when you're having fun I guess!

Viktor gave me Wuthering Heights the last time he was here. Hated the first 100 pages, couldn't seem to work out what character was who etc.. Then finally putting through 100pages I got my reward - I figured everyone out and could start enjoyed the forthcoming 300 pages. Finished the book last night, and I must say it was actually quite good. A little bit confusing and hard when the character Joseph talked in a northern dialect with ay's and nay's and shoos instead of she's and knaw instead of know....

Spent the weekend in Kensington, Hyde Park, Brick Lane, Primrose Hill, Notting Hill, Camden, ChinaTown, Leicester Square.

Saw a demonstration in Brick Lane aka Banglatown (w all the indian restaurants -although I enjoyed a halloumi/aubergine-burger with homemade wedgers!). The train was full of muslims trying to tell us Mohammed equals peace. With which I can only agree. Islam has only been associated with terrorism for the last 20-30 years. Christians are really the most tyrannic religion there is. Not accepting other religions and forcing people to take christianity as their religion( see Africa, America, India , where to stop?)

Sunday morning I went to Primrose Hill w Clara. I think the cold's come back to London... It depends if the wind is blowing, and it DID this sunday.... Bought breakfast at tesco and went further north up the hill with an amazing view of London. But I must say I didn't really like Primrose Hill because of all the dogs...Hate when owners just let their dogs loose. And both Clara and me had cotton shoes so we went to Camden to warm up with a cup o' tea!

Later we went to see ''The imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus''. I guess that Terry Gilliam can't ever make you dissapointed. He's got a crazy imagination! And like always Heath Ledger was great! And I was actually surprised by Colin Farrel. Never seen him in anything else so I thought he was rubbish, but he was actually good! But the outstanding actor was not Jude Law, Johnny Depp or Heath Ledger but Andrew Garfield!
Note: Peter Stomare plays a part as a president!!

This week I'll be free from 9-15 since the boys are in Dublin with their dad the whole week.
Plus next weekend I'm going to see my first ever football game in London: Fulham vs. Manchester City.

xx

Music

Planning to go to Camden Crawl in may, who's with me?! With bands like Sunshine underground, Casiokids and other upcoming bands. Finding new interesting sounds on their lineup, like ''best coast'' - the new camera obscura?! Can't but like the voice and the video - preppy boys 2000 meet 80's boots, sailors and girls from the 50's!

IKEA!!!!

IKEA saved my day. My delicatess: knäckebröd with hard-boiled eggs! Also I bought finax ryebread("ready to shake"-kind). But it's better than nothing! I've missed a bread with no added sugar and some real rye! Last but not least DAIM!

Last night I had my first bite of the knäckebröd with only butter and cucumber, mmmm! I could probably survive out of porridge, knäckebröd and muesli with milk for ages! I don't know if it's Sweden or my family who's healthy? I just compare this family and everybody else in England with how I grew up. At least in my family we got porridge or A-fil(why is sweden the only country with fil??) not bagels and toast with jam.

Sweden has got a full range of natural youghurt while in England/France/Germany the majority is fruit youghurt filled with sugar and just SOMETIMES they offer natural youghurt(if not sweet vanilla youghurt...).

The weather is still going strong. No rain so far, although some dark clowds. But usually the sun comes out in the afternoon! I'm hoping for some sun tomorrow so me and the boys can go to Wimbledon Park!

note to self: Don't take everything personal. Like a 9year old screaming at you:(

Habits

My main interests in London:

* chocolate-boutiques(same as in Sweden then..)
* vintage
* cafes
* royal parks
* food-markets

Went to selfridges this saturday and came to the chocolate-section. I were in heaven! I don't care about clothes, perfumes etc. All I want is loads of tins and boxes of chocolate. Obsession? Ehhh..yes!

I have an obsession about nice tins with candy/toffee's/coffee/tea, teacups, coffemugs, beautiful pralins, cosy cafes... I can stand and look at beautiful patisseries and pralines for hours.. Oh yeah, preferably in style a la English Kitch or parisian luxury.

Went to Putney as well, to see Josefine. Went into a vintage-boutique, but not with only clothes. Inside the shop were a cafe with homemade chocolate- and carrot cakes, playing jazz. Could be a clear favourite in time!

Really like to live in the outside of London. Get to see all the small towns like Putney, Wimbledon and Sutton -where the real englishmen lives. While in London the majority consists of Indians, Swedish-, African people and so on.

xoxo
The sun is shining every day. Happy happy happy times!!

sweet disposition - the temper trap

I've only slept for 5 hours. Only Lorcan is awake, but I just can't seem to get any more sleep although I've got a headache(thank god I didn't get tinnitus
I tell myself everytime I wake up in the morning, last night was really bad with the beeping from the music:S)
I hate to stay in bed in the mornings. I need to get up, get a shower, get clean and fresh. Specially on saturdays when there's things
to do, to see and especially in London!

Went out with Amy last night in Sutton - the town closest to me(about 10mins walk). Everyone I've asked have been like
"ah the nightlife isn't too good, it's kind of rough - rough as in clubs being shut down because of a guy getting stabbed or
drugs - nothing new to me, coming from Hässleholm;)).

At first I was going out just to have a couple of drinks in a bar, early night out kind of.
Well at ten o'clock(yes they're really early in England) the club upstairs that I didn't know of opened. Anywho, I ended up with
more than a couple of drinks(payday for everyone here)´and going home to the birds singing at 3(even the birds are early out). I really liked the people at the club. The vibe
gets so different from going out at piccadilly circus or some other place in London. Less pretentious people I would guess..

One thing I notice : english girls dress up like white trash. What's all about showing off 100% of the legs(bare legs btw)
, two meter high peep-toes and too much makeup IN THE WINTER: Girls! You might as well write on your foreheads:
I'll have anything and do anyone. yeah yeah yeah blablabla girls
can dress like they want to and not be an object
(watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OBPaenkxdg).

But girls, it's february and about 4 degrees. I guess they're planning to get warm from all the tequila. No wonder they think swedish people look good. Where's the competitiomn?
But Amy told me Sutton is sometimes called Slutton, no wonder. Haha!

It was so fun hanging out with Amy(plus she knows like all the bartenders and dj's, and without knowing likes indiepop as well).
The dj played Beyonce, Michael Jackson, old school and even some Frank Sinatra. So company, dancefloor, music and drinks - I'm satisfied.

A moment , a love, a dream, a laugh, a kiss, a cry.

The time travelers wife

I'm totally stuck on the book "the time travelers wife". I've read 400 pages so far, 100 left to go. I'm starting to feel like a part of their relationship, scary!

Oh, about the parking-fine. The mum in the family offered to pay all of it(50 pounds). Sooo nice and generous! I'll have to buy them flowers or something:)

When I went to Sutton(in the car) to pay the fine: first I back into a space where I can't get out of until I ask the owner of the car beside me to move the car(it was hell on earth and my feet were trembling after all the going back, forward and trying to get out slowly and not scratching any cars).

Once out I decided to park i a car-park. Well, once there I'm not so good with the brakes, gas etc. So when I'm uphill the engine stops cause I'm on the wrong change and backs down on another car(who is actually too close to be OK). Well there we go, I have to leave my personal details to him etc. To be fair nothing happened to his car, but formality is rule...

The last couple of days the 4 year old's been home and so have the mother(working from home). It's SO much easier to take care of the children when they're not home. It's like you're the man of the house when the parents isn't at home.

Oh and by the way: The lovely bones are not worth paying for. Saw it last night with Suraj. Both could agree that it was too much fantasy to be good. It just became corny with all the light colours and the "inbetween"(place between earth and heaven). Both the actors and the story were really good and it could have been an A-movie. But no, Peter Jackson need to bring the fantasy in it...

xoxo

finally it's friday for real - I need some fine wine and you, you need to be nicer!

the first time in my life...

For the first time in my life, I've got a fine - for parking incorrect. Tried to find some place where I could stay without paying 5 pounds for an hour - Let's say in a private street. Came back 2 hours later with a paper on my shield. F**k. I guess all I can do is to go to Sutton and pay the 50 pounds... Do the car-owners have to find out about this? I mean will they get a letter although I pay. Kind of embarrasing telling them... Someone who knows?

Trying to think that money isn't all. But it's kind of hard ''loosing' 50''. Better to loose the money to sutton bourough than to a thief I guess. Got to stay positive

Talked over skype with mum for the first time since I left. Felt really nice, miss her. And she told me Metta cried last night and told mother she missed me^^

Where the wild things are

The weekend has brought me delich korean dinner with Linn, seeing the spring arise in Kensington gardens with Josefine and a quiche (finally a person who refuses to go to starbucks/prêt etc.), sleepover at claras and a heavy fever.

Also in my dreams:
*I almost got married with my nursery sweetheart(we were 5y old and forced a kid to pretend to be our baby and sit in a baby stroller which we pushed around all day long)
*ran away from the wedding and slept on the floor in Södra Mellby's bakery
*payed a fine for sleeping in their bakery shop - had to buy all their bread
*bicycled with Felicia
*Boel and Karna surprised me by coming to London
*my car got detached by gypsies - and they took all of my money
*woke up

Joesfine told me about IKEA in croydon and I want knäckebröd with boiled eggs and ugnspannkaka with lingonsylt(the translations on tyda.se were lingonberry jam or cowberry jam) and grandfathers sourdough bread - without sugar.

Downloaded where the wild things are directed by spike jonez, since they don't show it on the cinemas anymore and it was one of my fav' books as a kid. The soundtrack is brilliant and I'm tired - which gives me high expectations.

libraries

You appreciate the swedish libraries while in England.(Ok, the libraries in Surrey, London..anywho!)

They charge you £1-3 for every cd or dvd you want to take home. It's ridicilous! Also, you can just bring them home for 3 days sometimes....

Enjoy Hassleholms, Lund's, Malmo's etc. etc's libraries with their free movies and cd's...:(

Goodbye free culture. It's almost as cheap going to the cinema tuesdays and thursdays as it is to borrow a dvd from the library! RI-DI-CU-LOUS!

week 7

With my fever and all the kids home from school due to half term, it's been a hectic week. But it's finally friday and I've got it all planned out. With me living 30-40 minutes outside of London there's no time for impulse travels..Or maybe later when I've gotten sick of all the sightseeing and don't want to go inside every minute because of the cold(6 degrees this morning).

The kids and I've been to zoo, seen Alvin and the chipmunks, bowling etc; There's been some difficulties with the eldest - hitting his younger sister etc. Yesterday, when we went bowling, he had a tantrum and ran away. I called his mother but she told me to leave him alone and finish the game with the others. He's 9 y old and he just runs out of the bowling hall. Panic! But later in the evening the mum told me I wouldn't have ANY responsibility if something did happen to him since he does that to everyone..... So that's cool but still I get worried if he just runs away like that again:S

I saw avatar yesterday, by myself. The first time I've went to cinema by myself. Like it better watching movies by myself - no one else having an opinion etc. It was good - not really a-must-see-movie, but close. And the avatar was actually quite good looking, creepy!

Bye from Elna soon covered in flour -->making cupcakes w the kids!

btw: everyone can now commentate on my blog, since I know it's been kind of a discussion about that:)

xoxo

Fever

I've had a fever since monday morning. And with the kids being home from school this week it gets even worse.... Went to the zoo with all the boys( the girl were at camp) this morning. Brought lunch and saw sealions, lions, sharks etc.. I hate zoos, I feel sorry for the big animals - forced into small pools and cages. The lions have an area big as my garden - not enough.

I need to think of things to do in the daytime with the kids.. They're only watching tv and being at the computer otherwise. I know they're not my kids, but they're my job looking after, stimulating them and stuff. The mum has proposed cinema and bowling, so I guess that's for tomorrow and friday. It's so much easier when it's just the two youngest of them - we can go to some indoor playground etc.. But now, I need to entertain children 2-9 y old - not an easy job. I'll try to bake or something with them tomorrow. The two eldest are soo ungrateful it gets to my nerves... Well, well, just try to ignore! Ignoration and acceptance are my best friend right now.

I was actually going in to London to see Linn but felt the fever overwhelming me. And something I learned(and Agnes taught me) is to listen to your guts. When your instict says no because of stress etc.. it's almost always right! So we postponed the finner for friday:)

The weekend

Viktor's been visiting this weekend. It's been hectic but wonderful:)

Friday:

Had a hectic day at work but got some time to relax before I headed to London Victoria to meet Viktor. We went back to my old room, since I've payed until the 16th of february plus it's more convenient to get to central London from there.

Saturday:

Saturday started with some english breakfast for Viktor and toast for me - I can't do cooked food in the morning, except maybe scrambled eggs.

We managed to go to two markets during the saturday(and three during the weekend - I'm trying to visit every market in London if you haven't noticed)
1. Bourough market - where we spent most of the time tasting cheddar cheese, pesto, jam and cowboy cookies.
2. Camden market - "a bit overrated" I thought at first since I'm not too fond of cloth-stalls. I'm more of a food-market-person. But then we came to the vintage section and the marrocon food-places!

We also went to oxford street(against my will) for a while, where Topman was more exciting than the women section at Topshop. Also Viktor wasn't to fond to follow with to the woman sections.

We spent the evening in Camden Town. First we were thinking about going to an interesting vegan/vegetarian restaurant, but when we came there they played the worst techno music ever, so we ended up at a lebaneese restaurant instead. For the best I guess since the service and the food was excellent;) We ordered a two-course dinner with cold and hot mezze but ended up with three courses - finishing with a valentines cake "on the house"! The waiter was so nice I had to tip him 20% - is the standard 10%? In England it's 12.5 -

We continued to the pub for a drink. I ordered a sex on the beach - tasting exactly like a glass of bad orange juice.... But it always feels better when a group of english STRAIGHT(drunken) men is giving compliments to your boyfriend, - calling him Callum in Kings of Leon and shouting out "The sex is on fire" and throwing ice at your table!!

Sunday:

Went for breakfast at Columbia road flower market - one of my favourite next to bourough market. This market is probably the only place where you can get salesmen shouting out offers in broad cockney accent as well as jamaican dudes in yellow pants. I just love all the shops on Columbia Road - ENGLISH KITCH ENGLISH KITCH ENGLISH KITCH! Bought myself a tinbox of "olde english toffee est. 1840".

Both of us were so exhausted when we finally went, to my current, HOME sweet home! Sharon - the mum - even offered us some wine for the dinner - pasta and tuna steak^^

I've tried to plan the weekend to it's fullest so in the evening I took Viktor to the cinema. He didn't know what movie it was until it started. I guess it was kind of a give-away since the majority of the people were giggling girls. Yes - I took him to see "Valentine's day", quite suitable for the day! It was actually quite good. A real love-movie full of A-list actresses and actors! AND I noticed you can get different flavours of ben and jerry's at the cinema!!

Both of us just crashed, exhausted, while at home..

Monday:
Viktor went home around 3 o' clock, so he had the time to see me driving as a wild woman on the left side picking up the kids....

When I tried to upload the photos from the weekend all the photos disappeared as well on the computer as the mobile phone:( Guess I need to use my memory instead of pictures now:/ Like the photo of me, viktor and the valentines' cake:) Don't know it's because of my virus...since my computer def. won't accept any of the antivirus-programmes I've tried to download.

Ciao!

I hate my computer

I was just about to upload the lovely pictures from the weekend with Viktor when all of them disappears:(. I hate my computer, this night is officially ruined....

workout

I've managed to visit the gym 4 times this week(including sunday). Going to the gym is really not my thing - Standing on the treadmill for 40minutes. Outside you're at least Getting somewhere. Here you just stand there(running) and....well, I;m getting bored of it. If I hadn't had the discipline I'd never gone...

But they Do have an outdoor- and indoor pool plus sauna!! I;ll be using that in April!! Here we come beach -10!

And about my ''crash'' inte the backwindows of some other cars the other day. The car did actually get injured, although I don't know if it's been like that before(doubt it). Well Sharon hasn't said anything about so, let's just keep quiet about it.

Tonight I'm going to see Avatar with Amy. I'm probably the last person in London who haven't seen it.

And tomorrow I'll meet Viktor at Victoria station and then follows a weekend filled with London a la Elna!

Now: time to pick up Senan and Lorcan!

the bucket - kings of leon

First day at work: Bumped in to a row of cars - into their back-mirrors. But they just, I thought they would break off. I just drove away - scared and trying to ignore it.
-"What just happened? Senan asked.
-...."Ehhh, nothing, nothing at all."
But the last au pair told me she'd done it a hundred times, and not to worry...

I'm so happy for all of my friends. You know what people that really matters when you spend some time apart. The people keeping contact and showing they care! Can't believe what I've done without them.

Miss my little sister so much. When I help the girl, Rosalyn, with her homework I just think about Metta and how clever and smart she is. She's one of the few who's got a great sense of humour(got it from me OF COURSE). Although when we argue and she's madly and sarcastic in such a mean way I just wonder where she's got THAT tone from. Then I look back at how I, myself argue with my parents and understand how much she's like me, and how childish I am...Scary! I blame my father, he's the same -No real arguments, stubborn etc.. Rather stubborn than...something?! I feel sorry for mum, haha!

Told myself three times over: this is my LAST bit of chocolat - Tummy not so happy.
I have this theory that when it's cold outside I have to eat more fat to get warm, but I don't think it'll work. Plus another motto is: once you've eaten sweets on a weekday I might as well eat a LOT since I've "ruined the day". Need to get a hang of my food-habits!

Mowgli's Road - Marina and the diamonds

Went to bourough market yesterday. You get totally lost in there and can never find your way back to the place with the food "that looked amazing".


This picture's for Oscar - I accidentally deleted the picture of the dead octopusses lying in a row or else you would've got that one too...

Couldn't stop circulating the area with the maroccon food, french pastries, massive freshly made breads/baguettes and italian cheeses and wines... Ended up bying a traditional english pie and hot spicy applejuice.





In the evening I went to a party in Queensway. The party was good and quite international(french, italians, english, swedes, indians)- good people, good music, bad wine(tasted like rebenshoppen in a nice bottle). Went home 2am and CAME home about 4.30 in the morning. First I took the bus in the wrong direction, ended up going in circles and not at all north-east where I was going. Towards 4 o'clock I finally found a bus going towards my direction. Came off the bus and had a 15min walk home to the sound of birds and drunk people going home.

You really meet the most odd people 4 o'clock in the morning(no wonder). A guy from uzbekistan started talking to me. By some reason the only thing I could think of when he mentioned Uzbekistan was their dictator Karimov, whom I read an article about( at the time when my interest was to read articles about holocausts and dictators - I have my hobbies...)
(OBS! brutal pictures)
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article3943.htm
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/0525-28.htm

Nanny

So friday night plans for Liverpool street - ruined. But although not ruined since I much rather have a night in tonight actually.

I'm so tired from the 1.5 hours journey(30min delayed) in to London, tired from having slept about 2 hours last night, following the old nanny's work thursday and friday at the family McSweeney and going to the gastropub where I worked last weekend to get my money- upside: got to chat with the all time lovely Sam from the Spence bakery and getting some cash from my work, aka the drinks are ON ME!

And also thinking about what's happening tomorrow I'm not that into partying tonight.

An australian girl is coming to look at the room tomorrow morning since I'm moving out, later on lunch at bourough market(might even take portobello as well),
party saturday evening. Picnic w clara sunday and after that moving in with McSweeneys for real sunday.

Oh yeah, for you who don't know. I, me, Elna, who's constantly been repeating the cons' about being a nanny and the pros' about living by yourself and work, Well let me tell you - I was wrong.

It all came off quite quickly. Monday evening I was so sick and tired of looking for a decent job, with a nice manager and a professional attitude and longing away from the unstability and longing not to worry about the future; money etc. I wanted to start enjoying London fully with the cafés, clubs etc.. Not having to be stingy every time going out for a coffee.

So, I decided to start looking for a nanny job at gumtree. Somewhere, a nice family who wanted help, just for a couple of months - providing me a room and food. Someone who just wanted a live-in aupair temporary. TADA, my perfect match:
The family McSweeney of 7.
I mailed the mum, Sharon, monday evening. Got her answer tuesday morning, came visit tuesday evening, decided to stay the very same evening. Just through the emails I could notice the family was really nice.

They're so relaxed, welcoming, down to earth, loving and well, everything you can ask for. I even get a free membership to their very posh gym with pool, sauna, the regular machines, the classes(see zumba, latin dance, bodypump, kickbox!) and of course a quite nice paycheck every friday.

So, thursday and friday I've been with their live-out nanny(Amy, who's from the area) and seeing what a usual day look like. I even get to drive their 7-seated ford, which is absolutely amazing and simple to drive! I was quite scared of the size in the beginning(feels like being fat trying to squeeze into the parkingspaces). But it went really good. No problem actually driving on the left side - amazingly! And I got really well on with Amy so she told me she'll take me out to all the nice clubs and introduce me to some other guys in the area - you know, so I don't have to go into London EVERY time I want to go out having a drink, go to the cinemas etc..

And just so you know, this time I'll stick to my words. No more moving around, from now on and for the forthcoming 3 months: one adress and one adress only.
It's not going to be like in Peter and the wolf - I promise! You can take my word...or not!

OH! And I don't have to do ANY cleaning except putting the plates in the dishwasher in the mornings since they've got Zanet(from Prague, actually) that comes in every day to clean and make the kids, and me, dinner. I actually asked if she would make something from Prague. But she didn't dare since her last family complained about her too salty and too greasy dumplings. Hello! I mean, What english food are NOT salty and fat? Kids of today, not appreciating real homely food from the chech republic....So there we sat mocking the english for just eating toast, butter and jam all day long. Bread, bread, bread-white bread, sponge-bread!

Ciao, arrivaderci, à bientôt, so long my friends!
to be continued.

my cup of tea/müsli

I hate the manager in the restaurant I'm working in. He's arrogant and unpolite... He won't ever see me to talk about payment and schedule. I just wont work every day and weekends. I'm not in London to work. And they're unproffessionel with the orders, they even wash by hand.... So I've put down my pride a couple of notches and I am now looking for nanny-jobs. It would be quite lovely with a room where you don't have to freeze your ass of.

It feels like a failure if I go home as well, plus it's like Antarctis in Sweden right now!

I've noticed while in London, I'm obsessed with milk and müsli. I can eat it morning til evening! New expression: my kind of müsli ( = lots of nuts, dried fruit, seeds!)

Went with Clara to eat at Pauls. The sandwiches were OK. I mean you go there for the patîsseries!!! Anyway, they charged an extra and a half pound just to sit in although I found a tenner in the street, ca-ching!

The weekend

The weekend's been alright. A lot of work but nice people spending it . with!

Had kind of a training at The daniel defoe friday night, which went good, and the work rolled on throughout saturday and sunday. Wonderful staff(not so nice manager), good music and nice customers having their pints 12am in the morning. I just hope they'll give me enough hours so I'll manage. They did hire me as a "full time waitress". We'll see we'll see( I have absolutely NO patience, so that'll go well...).

Saturday evening, when I was really tired, I went out with Linn and her friends. Felt quite odd partying with swedes while in London. It was an early evening, but thanks to the delays on the buses it became quite late. Although no forgotten key this time! Yepp, forgot my key on my room when I went out thursday night, worst night in London ever trying to find the key and finally at home finding it on the couch....

Right now my problem is: I want everything to happen NOW. I want to experience everything right NOW. Live and learn?! Everything's got it's moments and it's times I guess...naaah.

Hoping to get some kind of schedule for next week tomorrow. I can work all weekends as long as I get 13 - 14th february off when Viktor's coming:)

ta ta

Älskade, saknade

It's amazing how my mood goes up and down. Today I'm feeling a bit, down. I think it's the same as this fall. I felt gloomy and tired. I need the routine, or else I'm hopeless. I think that's the reason why I'm so disciplined with working out etc. It's my solid ground if nothing else.

Yesterday I went to Notting Hill with Clara.
The movie was really nice. No typical ending, but still a feel-good-movie.
Same director as for Juno and Thank you for smoking. You could see the similarities from both of them in Up in the air. The same kind of businessman with the hopeless private-life and the same humour as in Juno. And of course the always wonderful Jason Bateman( I should download some arrested developement)!

Today I decided to get cultural. Went to Academy of art with the exhibition about earth, climat changing etc.. Afterwards I walked around in the luxurious neighboorhoud with businessmen and Chanel-stores. I saw this amazing chocolaterie. I could've spend a million in there.




At last, the chef from The Daniel Defoe called me. We decided to meet up for a chat tomorrow. He asked me about walkingdistance and told me "that's good for the both of us" since I told him it was about 10 min walk from me. HOPING for a fulltime job, he sounded promising!!!!

Paranoid people

I hate to walk behind a jewish man in these neighbourhoods. I'm starting to feel like a convict when I do. They walk in a speed that only a followed ( can't blame them, due to history) man can walk. And they kind of look behind them every other second, just to see if someone following them with a knife or something, I don't know. It's like when you become labelled you become that person. I'll try not to put out my big crocodile-dundee-knife.

Oh, oh. For the first time in my life, yesterday I saw a robbery. I didn't understand until afterwards. But I heard the scream and saw the man run away - unfortunately he was black, I mean unfortunatley because a lot of people got the prejudices...

And this sunday I went to Linn for a chat and coffee. She live with three others in a(comparing to mine) beautiful flat. It's light, warm, big etc. I was there for dinner also. We talked about everything from London to Hässleholm!





And yesterday I found out I got a part-time job in a pub nearby and maybe a parttime in another pub(depends, only got one shift this sunday so far). When I asked the first one (the bird-cage) about the hours he told me, about 3shifts/week but that it might increase later. Well, we'll see.

Tonight I'm going to watch up in the air(george clooney!!!!!) with Clara! That'll be nice. It's in Notting Hill, so I'll se that part of London at night also!

Sunday

Good morninng!

Went to Bourough market yesterday with Rebecca and Mia. Two friends from my "au pair-time"(?!). I LOVE bourough market - all the food. You want to have it all, but I guess I have to go there every saturday from now on so I'll be able to buy everything!!!



In the evening I went for a trial at a local pub. It was really good, felt really relaxed and the staff was so nice! Just after two trials in a pub it feels like I know it. I mean, it's quite simple really!

I stayed in the pub until about 10. Then I went to see Kesley. He'd found this amazing victorian house. It'd been abandoned for ages, belonging to a man now sitting in a mental institution. But I mean, his room was like..three times mine and Öskens and he didn't have to pay any rent, the rent was for him to take care of the house. Fair deal?!
I also met this georgian girl there. The whole evening I thought they ment she was from Georgia, US. But then she started talking about the civil war and I kind o' figured.

It's quite fun when they ask me about Sweden, "what's popular" etc. Music genres, food etc. etc.. I mean, I have no idea what's popular in Sweden. I tried to find the word for "sill"...Anywho they asked me if you can compare what Abba is to Sweden like The beatles's for England and if Finland's to Sweden like Scotland's to England. I'm not really sure about the Abba-stuff? And their main prejudice: all the guys are goodlooking.

It's good the house's like 2 blocks from me, felt quite safe walking home alone. And there's only jews and familys in the neigbourhood:D! Just this other day some jewish lady went, no ran, after me a whole block just to tell me she told me the wrong way!

I'll try go out now for a jog so I'll make it in time to see Linn:)

Go and die

Earlier this morning I went for a "free-pass-gymday". So I tried out the runmills etc.. No actually, all I did was to run and do some situps.. Which is ny normal routine when jogging etc.. Nothing fancy pancy!

So I talked to the manager afterwards about membership. And as I hadn't got any money on me I had to go home and get back to them.

So, that's what I did. And when I came back they told me they didn't accept anything else than an english bankaccount. So once again, I had to go home. I COULD pay with my swedsih VISA(international, hello!) if I paid the whole fee at once(250pounds). So I thought about it: "maybe I'll transfer it all from my saving account and pay".

But once I cam back home I was so wet and tired I couldn't bother to go back.. Come think of it, the only thing I would use in the gym would be the runmills and maybe, maybe the weights. So, am I willing to pay for that? The only reason I first decided to join was because of the weather. It's more convenient to run inside than outside if you don't want to become wet, which let's face it, you will this country of rain....

The englishmen really sucks handling weather. If it's -1 degree outside, everybody stays in and all the shops close. If there's a little bit of rain they close the roads. You would think that England of all countries would know something about weather by now.¨

Also I hate Jeeves. Who told him to become my homepage instead of google! "Ask jeeves" comes up everytime I open up internet explorer. I hate him and I hate that I don't want to go out right now 'cause it's raining...

Äntligen på väg

Igår var jag hemma hos familjen Jones, min systers gamla au pair familj som jag besökte sommaren -08 på en lite traintrip med min syster yster. Det var så skönt att komma hem till nån, och man känner sig verkligen som hemma så fort man kommer in.

På kvällen var jag på intervju på en nattklubb. Dresscode: denimshorts och vit topp..Hrm, kändes moraliskt fel så jag tackade nej till att provjobba där. Timmarna var dessutom cirka 10-3..

Idag gick jag ut(sol och blå himmel) och gick runt lite mer i området där jag bor - bourogh of Hackney.

Finns en hel bunt mysiga caféer jag bara längtar efter att få testa. Hela området kryllar av "organic food"-ställen, cafén, bagerier, vintagebutiker, blomsteraffärer etc., etc.! Förmodligen lite som Notting Hill market. Det var rent ut sagt plågsamt att inte kunna köpa nåt. Jag spenderar knappast pengar på saker nu i början. Men snart...... Har allting i mitt huvud.

Gick in i en lp/bok/cd/ep-butik, nästan som en guldgruva. Hittade en Talking Heads-lp från 1979 som var sublim - ljudet, spåren.... Mannen i butiken erbjöd mig a cup o' tea och pratade på. När han fick reda på att jag var svensk ville han prata om mjukost, något hans svenska vän visat och som han tyckte var "a brilliant idea". Kanske inte mitt mest stolta ögonblick som svensk.

Ramlade också in på en underbar butik med örhängen, klänningar, boxar, lådor, parfymflaskor...*dregel*

Sen gick jag runt hela kvarteret till Stamford hill och hemåt. På vägen hem gav jag ut några fler cv och ikväll ringde 2 av restaurangerna varav en vill att jag ska komma på lördag och prov-jobba och den andra behöver personal nästa vecka. Så det börjar ljusna!

Ikväll var jag på puben The camden head och provjobbade cirka 1 timme. Det var kul att prova på pub-jobb - hitta tekniken att hälla upp en bra guiness, heineken etc. En av de anställda i baren sa att managern gillade mig - när jag gick sa managern till mig att ringa honom. Dock erbjöd han mig bara part-time när jag kom in första gången, så får se vad han säger imorgon!

Skype nästa, hallam foe därefter och en god kopp pepparmintste just nu!

Kanske även en chocolate cup cake eftersom min rumskompis frågar mig en gång i timmen om jag vill ha en. She's got a sweeth tooth.

Aldrig ensam

Någon här försöker få oss religiösa. På toaletten finns flera uppsättningar av Nya Testamentet, "vägen till Islam", Genesis, ännu en uppsättning av Nya testamentet osv.. Lustigt nog har "de" placerat dessa verk på toaletten. Jag visste inte att man kunde bli religiös på toaletten, eller varför "de" tror det.

Jag kan bara säga, efter att ha sett på p3 guld några minuter, att jag är jäkligt nöjd med Sveriges musikår 2009. Folkets röster är dock lite av en besvikelse; Lars Winnerbäck, Kent?! Come on!

Dagens bästa: Jonathan Johansson, eller kanske att jag kan skypea med Viktor nu!
Dagens måste: börja på gym eller nåt
Dagens sämsta: tunnelbana

Anna

Den här låten har praktiskt taget gått på repeat hela dagen. Texterna till Leaving on a Mayday är så fina!

"No one I'll rather be with than you
Never say the word, but our eyes always do
My head explodes and my mind's a mess
And I'm dying to move like young boys do"
-...-
And this part terrifies me so
No one makes me free like you make me
I speak my mind, I'm honest and I'm cruel
I lay out my cards, I'm a joke, I'm a fool
But the beast in my sleeps oh so peacefully
Oh so peacefully"

Trött så jag dör

Har varit ute hela dagen och letat jobb. Började dagen med att gå till bibblan och skriva ut CVs och covering letters. Åkte därefter till Camden Town och sökte för fullt.

Försökte få bankkono och national insurance nr med, men det fick jag appointment till först den 8 februari. Och för bankkonto behöver jag bevis på min adress i Sverige genom att min bank skickar ett brev till min nuvarande adress. Suck, OMSTÄNDIGT..

Det var inte många som behövde servitriser eller personal. Men några fåtal satte sig faktiskt ner med mig och pratade. En som lät lovande tyckte ett halvår var för lite för att lära upp mig för att jag sen skulle åka innan juli.

Fick dock en trying-out torsdag kväll på Camden head, dock bara part-time.. En mysig pub, och när jag stod där och pratade fick jag syn på bob dylan i ögonvrån - betydelse?

Jag fick även ett samtal av nån på en resturang vid Baker street om intervju imorgon. Om jag inte får jobb denna vecka vet jag inte vad jag gör. Jag har ju pengar till en till månads hyra. Men är det värt att ta från sparpengarna? Det är ju inte bara hyra - det är mat, mobil, busskort(så satans dyrt..) och någon slags livskvalité där jag kan gå ut och ta en öl eller fika eller liknande...

Lagade iallafall mat för flera dagar innan. Ris med lax:)

Dagens goda köp: mikrofon till skype
Dagens down: Lidl tog inte visa:(
Dagens önskan: Att se Where the wild things are till helgen!
Dagens film: The savages

It's a lovely day

I HATE to drag my useless bag... It's the time when you just want to die so you don't have to drag it. Or just leave it, but then you think about the consequenses and keeps on dragging.

Went in to Camden last night and met some new people! While I waited by the station I saw people going by. Some people had the most odd outfits. In Hässleholm they would be considered as ....how to put it...cheap, while in Camden they're "alternative". It's realy all about the place your at.
But I really like Camden. A mixture of indie people, clubs, English pubs, coffee bars etc.

Woke up too early to be ok today, but the sun woke me up. The view is really nice here. You can see the river Thames and the sky is all blue.

Going to bounds green soon with a girl for a coffee. It's odd to meet people for the first time, you never now if ýou'll get along. But you got to take the chance I guess.

Also my room-mate told me she was going away for three weeks in the beginning of february. Got the room all by myself then - nice!

*Catching up on Anders och Måns and Stjärnorna på slottet - thank you svt play!*
S'later!

Sneaky

Today I went shopping with Rita in Brent Cross shopping center. It was alright, no problems. But when we came home and I asked her for my weekly salary she told me she only had 50 on her and that she was going to give the rest, by her opinion 20, tomorrow although I shall have 80 pw...So we got in a sort of argue where I told her I'm going to have 30 more. I'm not sure if she will "remember" to give me the money tomorrow.

But I can't actually be bothered. Cause I'm out of here this sunday morning whereas I'm going to move to my new bed. I'm going to share bunkbeds with another girl from Turkey. Signed the papers today. The apartment looked allright. I get internet, heating, water etc and everything for 60p/w AND it's in zone 2!

And I have an interview tomorrow for the job as a waitress in a gastro pub in Cheswick. I'm just hoping for the best. Right now, I'll take anything!

The best: I get the liberty to set my own rules of living AND I'll be able to have friends from Sweden over. The landlord told me: no sleeping overs. But I asked about friends from Sweden and he thought that would be allright. After all I pay my bills etc.

Love from your Elna in front of the tv watching Friends!!

Day 5 - I'm getting my help

Okey, it's starting to feel better. I'm not afraid everytime she's in the house. No, but really, I can relax now that she's at her doctor getting more prescriptions for her medication. Medication for her back, her knee, her cancer etc etc..

I've spoken to Anne and she told me she's on my side and that she will help me the best as she can to find a new family for me! But I don't depend on Anne, she's a bit wimsy actually.

So tomorrow I'm going out to see a flat to share with another two girls and a guy. Hoping for the best! It's only one weeks deposit, so I will afford it if I found a job soon! Wish me luck! Worst scenario: I have to crash with Linns friends...I just have to reach them, tha's all!

xoxo Elna


Je pense a toi, mon amour, ma bien aimee
Ne m’abandonne pas, mon amour, ma cherie

Quand je suis dans mon lit, je ne reve qu’a toi
Et quand je me reveille, je ne pense qu’a toi

Si je ne te vois pas, je ne peux rien dire
Je ne peux rien faire, je ne peux rien voir
Je ne veux rien savoir
Mon amour, ma cherie

Certains t’ont promis la terre
D’autres promettent le ciel
Il y en a qui t’ont promis la lune
Et moi je n’ai rien que ma pauvre guitare

Dubbelt trubbel

Jag har längtat hem något oerhört de senaste dagarna, men nu insett att det inte är jag. Det är hon!

Åkte till Picadilly Circus igåroch fikade med en annan au pair. Berättade för henne hur allt låg till. Tar fan en timme om inte mer för mig att ta mig in till Picadilly Circus. Galet! Sjukt jobbgigt att bo zon4.

Imorse skällde hon ut mig för att jag bara sitter på mitt rum och inte gör något. Enligt henne ska jag dammsuga, sopa golven, damma, gå ner md soporna, handla osv. Och hon tycker at 70pund är nog. Inte 80 som min agency skrev....
Till frukost satt hon själv i köket när vi andra dagar suttit tillsammans i vardagsrummet. This is final!

Så nu håller jag på för fullt och letar nytt. Tjejen på agencyn försöker hjälpa mig att hitta nytt också. Om det inte vore för att jag vill ha mina pengar på fredag skulle jag sticka omedelbart och ta in på nåt hostel eller nåt.

Men ikväll ska tanten till en doktor så då tänker jag packa väskan. Min nyckel till dörren funkar inte heller så jag vågar knappt gå ut ifall den inte funkar att ta sig in med igen. Jag är extremt sugen att jobba som servitris istället om det inte hade varit för de svinigt höga kostnaderna...

Wish me luck now!

Day three - All I need is music and some friends

Three days have gone and I'm really homesick. This morning I thought about running away home and start working, moving to Malmö...Anything!

It's not that Rita isn't sweet to me, not at all. It's just that I'm not used to anybody telling me what to, adjusting to somebody elses routines, house etc.. The fact that I never know when she's going to knock on my door, it's not the freedom I'm used to. At the same time I know I'm lucky since I don't have to take care of children evenings and weekends. BUT it's a little bit like tip toing around, living here. "what can I do and what can't I do". She's very...what's it called in swedish: "pedantisk".

It's amazing how everything felt better after I bought my travelcard. I went to Camden town, looking for shoes since my old shoes has got a hole in it and my socks get all wet and cold...

Firstly I walked the main street, cold feet and everything, but I couldn't find anything. Just shops with fake brands, tourist stuff or punk clothes. Then I turned a corner and there, I found this little tiny shoe-shop. So I went in and wow: They had size 39 on the pair I liked. I feel like bigfoot over here. I mean, come on. This is England!

But the salesman was nice, singing to the tunes of some african music.

I also went past a library with the bus. I think I'm going to find out about it and also some sportcenter nearby.

x Elna x

Arriving in London

So, the first day in London.

I've just arrived to a white, grey and black London. The weather is, comparing to Skane, warm. It's about 1 degree above zero.

The flight from Copenhagen went well and on the airport(Stansted) Ros came and picked me up. We had an hour drive to Ritas house. Rita is, for y'all who doesn't know, the lady I will stay with during the spring. Rita is her daughter. Rita's from Scotland and she's very nice.

My duties at Rita's is to keep her company, help her with the shopping and remind her of small things she might forget such as dinner, taking her pills for her back-pain etc.. You could say I'm going to do everything her children hasn't got the time to do.

She's only 81, so she's healthy, can walk and cook by herself and is over all very sharp.

So far we've got a good connection. She's easy to talk to - openminded.

So I think I will have the afternoons and evenings free. Ros, her daughter told me she doesn't think I will be able to work 5 h a day - there's just not that much work to do. The only thing that worries me slightly is if I can have guests here. According to Rita, Ros isn't that into strangers. Well who can blame her.

So far(after 4 hours) I've had 3 cups of tea.

xoxo Elna