Time?

What is it about time?
Why is it that we always think we don't have enough time?
Time must be the most fair thing in the world - who ever you are, where ever you live - we all have the exact same amount of time! 24 hours a day - no more - no less!
The 24 hours are as long or short every day, and still we think that one day are passing quicker then the other.
The experience of an hour can also be very differnet from one to another...
We all know that time goes faster when we are enjoying our selfs, and is very slow when things aren't as fun.
We often complain about not having enough time... and that is what got me thinking!

If we don't have enough time - why is it then that we wants time to fly when we have something to look forward too and wants to get there as fast as possible... and at the same time we wants to get the most out of the days leading up to the D-day!
And then - when D-day is laying for your feet - again it's time for time to slow down...
cos now we got where we wanted and now we have to get the most out of it!

What if we could rule over the speed of our time!?
No, I think it's better to take care of it and make sure to use each and every minute well!

… but I will always make sure I have something to look forward to -
to help time go a little bit faster!! =)

Spring Bike...

Today I decided to start spring... Most of the snow is gone and the roads are free from ice - meaning it's time to get the bike out of its winter storage. That is bike as in bicycle.
Yesterday morning I woke up and I heard the birds singing outside my window. Today I woke up and I heard the rain... Not until late afternoon the rain decided to stop. That's when I started spring, at aobut 4.00 pm today, the 3rd April.

After I moved into my castle a year ago I don't have a parking for my car. I have to park on the street (and pay for it too). Due to our snowy winters we have to park on one side of the road each day - changing every day... If I keep my car here not only do I have to pay for it I have to move it every day too. So I took a drive and parked it where it can have a safe and good rest after a long winters hard work. I took a walk back home to get my bike out of the storage where it spent the long cold winter and out in the fresh air.
On the way back I walked through the big city park and I had to smile when I saw the tiny greens comming up of the ground... in a few days with good weather there will be spring flowers all over!! Lovely - it means there is still hope for the winter to go away for this time...

So from tomorrow morning it's me and my bike going to work!

From now on I will spend a lot of time on bikes... Outside my "city racer" and inside on a Keiser spinbike!!

Pictures from Google

And I must say I'm really looking forward to it...
I've missed my bike this winter!

Am I back?

After almost 2 years I suddenly felt like blogging again. Don't know why, cos I haven't been very good at it the other times I started... Well, let's see if this time is different and if blogging is something for me.
I enjoy writning and express myself with words and I enjoy sharing my thoughts - but will I enjoy doing that in this forum. Time will tell!

As a start I thought I let you get to know me better...

I Live: in a castle! Well a nice flat up under the roof in the center of Gavle, Sweden.

I Work: far too much!!

I Talk: too much when I get nervous and not at all when I get upset.

I Wish: my bank account was fat - obese even..

I Enjoy: a glass of good red wine - or two...

I Look: for options for my next life project.

I Find: life rather difficult!

I Smell: the tulips on the table.

I Hide: from confrontation.

I Walk: when I don't need to drive - should let the car rest more often tho!

I Write: very long emails, to-do-lists and from now on maybe a blog...

I See: the snow is almost gone and spring is on it's way!

I Sing: very rarely and pretty bad.

I Can: if I want!!

I Watch: TV every day without watching!!

I Daydream: a lot! It even gets too real sometimes!

I Want: my dreams to come true!

I Cry: easily and often!

I Read: crime novels and travel magazines.

I Love: travelling!

I Sometimes: wonder what the meaning of life really is!

I Touch: only if I'm allowed to!

I Hurt: my bum 3-4 times a week - after spinning! Hey, naughty...

I Fear: I'm the one standing in my own way!

I Hope: to make a differense to someone.

I Break: my own heart every now and then - I hope I don't break anybody elses.

I Eat: far too much chocolate!

I Quit: my job and went back to school about 10 years ago. Good plan!

I Bathe: in the sea when it's warm enough.

I Drink: 1 liter of sparkling water every day.

I Stop: at red lights.

I Save: Flight Miles!!

I Hug: people that deserve it.

I am in: a funny state...

I Play: along

I Miss: my friends

I Hold: on to my hat when the wind blows...

I Forgive: you if you appologise and really mean it!

I Drive: a blue Ford...

I Learn: something new every day, but can't remember it all.

I Have: sat my feet on the gorund in at least 35 counties! So far...

I Don't: drink coffee

I Made: a fool out of myself and I'm sorry!

I Kiss: you back any day! :*

I Believe: I need a change!

I Wait: for the right moment - but I'm affraid I have to stop waiting and act instead...

I Need: that change! and a lot of money!

I Feel: lost

I Know: the word "Cheers" in about ten languages.

I Wonder: if anyone made it this far...

I am: Carina, a lost soul

Glad Midsommar!

Today it's Midsummer.

A holiday as big as Christmas in Sweden.

Midsummer and Christmas is kind of similar.

For Christmas we have a Christmas tree to dance around. For Midsummer it is a Midsummer Pole. A big cross dressed in fresh leaves and flowers. In each end of the crossing pole a garland of flowers is hangning.

For Christmas we eat ham, but also herring and drink SNAPS. For Midsummer we eat herring, the first potatoes of the season, and drink SNAPS. But also strawberries.

For midsummer we don't get any gifts though! And it is more of a party....

You can read all about midsummer here

100 known or unknown things about me!

It happends every now and then that I receive these lists.

This one was knew to me - so I thought I share it wih you here....

1. ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT?
On the back of both ears. Got it from doing plastic surgery!! Well cosmetic surgery then! =)

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
In the room I'm in right now there are a variety of pictures, some that I'm thinking of changing soon, a dart board, an old violin and my favourite - the collection of masks from travels.

3. DO YOU SNORE, GRIND YOUR TEETH, OR TALK IN YOUR SLEEP?
I've been told I snore - but I'm not sure I believe it. I've never heard it....

4. WHAT TYPE OF MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
Most of what's out there - but with different empathy. Listening to the radio and gets a vareity from that.

5. DO YOU KNOW WHAT TIME YOU WERE BORN?
Yes I do - 14.06 (or 2.06 pm for you who prefer it like that)

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
A long good sleep....

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Well, I guess I miss lots of things - but the question is what out of all these things that really matters. Do I REALLY need any of it? Can I live without it?

8. WHAT IS YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION(S)
That must be myself and my life?

If we go materialistic it is most definently my computer! =)

9. HOW TALL ARE YOU?
My passport sais 170 cm...

10. DO YOU GET CLAUSTROPHOBIC?
Sometimes, but not in small rooms or elevators or so... more from people getting too close when it doesn't feel ok to have them that close.

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Oh yes I do - a lot of strange things can hide in the dark!! =)

But it's not a big issue for me.

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU LAUGH?
A cute friend of mine...

13. WHAT'S YOUR WORST FEAR?
Not to know how to react if something bad happends close to me, my family or friends...

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Hair or no hair - doesn't really matter...

Eye color doesn't matter - as long as the eyes are kind and trustworthy.

15. WHERE CAN YOU SEE YOURSELF PROPOSING?
To be honest - I can't see my self in that situation.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINK?
Well NONE!

17. FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
Feta Chees and Garlic

18. IF YOU COULD EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Sushi from Restaurant BlowFish in Cape Town.

19. FAVORITE COLOR OF ALL TIME?
Tricky one! I do like blue and have always done - but black is classical - even though it is not a color!! =)

20. HAVE YOU EVER EATEN A GOLDFISH?
Well, I've been to China a few times so I couldn't say no for sure!! =D

But I hope I haven't!!

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I have no idea. I believe that the meaning of a gift in some way depends on the giver.

22. DO YOU HAVE A CRUSH?
RIght now??! Maybe?! =)

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
Ohhhh noooo.... stiffer person then me is hard to find!?

24. FAVORITE SHOE BRAND?
I'm not that into brands. Comfort and priceing comes first - but I like ECCO and they like my feet.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED:
WHY??

OK - 36

31.FAVORITE PLACE?
South Africa

Cape Town

Blauwberg Strand

32. FAVORITE QUOTE?
You don't regret what you do - you regret what you don't do!

33. FAVORITE SUBJECT?
I don't know really... there are so many interesting thing to learn and discuss. It is all about situation and timing I guess... at least for me.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE USA?
HAHA! I guess this comes from the States??

Yes I've been outside the USA, most of my life really - except for one week in 2003, a few days in November last year and if Canada is included - one week in August last year...

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
I guess I could make a long list, but there is one that bothers me the most:

I have to close to tears... in any situation.

36. MET ANYONE FAMOUS?
Yes I have. Local and international. At least they are famous in my world...

37. FIRST JOB?
As a cleaner at the local regiment - one summer for pocket money.

My first "real job" was as an Occupational Therapist at a Orthopaedic Ward.

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL!!
Far too many... =)

39. DO YOU THINK EVERYONE OUT THERE HAS A SOUL MATE?
I'm not sure I think so - but I really do hope so!

40. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED THIS OUT?
Sleeping in front of the TV after a 4 hour drive home from a weekend with friends.

41. HAVE YOU EVER HAD SURGERY?
Yes, the cosmetic one I told about in question 1. I did it twice on each ear!

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
Being a good friend.

43. HAVE YOU EVER HAD BRACES?
No - but glasses since I was three!

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
A Soda streamer!

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT AND THEIR NAMES
Don't want any - so no names needed!

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Nope, I got my own name!

47. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST TURN OFF OF THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Being rude, aggressiv or too drunk.

48. WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LIKE(D) ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL?
Graduation!! =)

49. WHAT KIND OF SHAMPOO DO YOU USE?
Different all the time.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Most times yes, when I do it nicely!

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
CHICKEN!

52. ANY BAD HABITS?

Lots of habits - desides from time to time which is bad....

53. ARE YOU A JEALOUS PERSON?
I do want to see myself as jealous - but yes I can be!

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes I hope so!

55. DO YOU AGREE WITH FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS?
Yes, of both of you agree to it and are ok with it! That is up to you!

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
Not really, but unfortunatilly I think it has a too big influence many times...

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE ANGER?
I say a few bad words, but is mostly quiet and deal with it inside!

If I get really angry I often cry.

58.WOULD YOU RATHER GAIN 58 POUNDS OR LOSE 58 POUNDS.
Well, that was a differnet question... I think my answer is LOSE without any doubt.

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
I have no idea. I know I had a stuffed bunny that I liked and a boy doll named after a friend to my parents.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE ON YOUR CELL PHONE?
Lots and lots - probably more then I need since I don't erase numbers I put in there just to use that one time.

62.WERE YOU A FAN OF BARNEY AS A LITTLE KID?
No sorry - I think I'm too OLD for Barney!

63. Do you use sarcasm?
More often then healthy....

64. MASHED POTATOES OR MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Never had macaroni and cheese - so I have to say Mash for now!

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Honesty!

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
Ina, Cina, Mildred, AniracPlutt.....

67. FAVORITE SUPER POWER?
I'd like to be able to move my self to a chosen destination in just a finger snap.

Just imagine to move to the other side of the world in a second. To go to Aussie for the weekend, Africa for dinner on a Wednesday and go shopping in LA on Monday afternoon.

68. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW?
Crime like CSI, Without a Trace

Documentaries

Some soaps occationaly

69. WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH YOUR ENEMIES?
They sayyou should keep them close, but I think I'd like to cut them out completely...

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Not an ice cream fan - but liquorice is nice.

71. DO YOU HAVE ALL YOUR FINGERS AND TOES?
Yes, last time I counted they were all there.

72. DO YOU HAVE A COMPUTER IN YOUR ROOM?
Yes I have my computer in any room - I can carry it around if I like to.

73. PLANS FOR TONIGHT?
SLEEP

74. WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LIVE WHEN YOU ARE OLDER?
In Cape Town!!

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Well, I don't think it will happend so it doesn't matter what I want.

But if you like to do so - please send me your answers in an email...

76. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO?
A Red Cross Gala for Mums of the world on TV.

77. LAST THING YOU DRANK?
A big glass of icecold tapped water!

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?.
One of the organizers for the party last night!

79. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE IN THE OPPOSITE SEX?
Hands and fore arms!

80. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
TRAVEL!

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE?
Too much work! Cos I like my work and I like haveing lots to do - but I hate it when I'm in the middle of it and I have to work day and night!! Does that make any sence??

82. FAVORITE SEASON OF THE YEAR?
Going form a great spring to summer....

83. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TYPE OF CANDY?
Candy? What is that!!? I don't eat that! HAHA!

Dark Chocolate with chili or sea salt!

84. HAVE YOU EVER REALLY AND TRULY HAD A BEST FRIEND?
I'm not sure. I hops so... I think so - and I hope the other person thinks so too!!

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Brown - rat

86. EYE COLOR?
Blue

87. SHOE SIZE?
40 somewhere

88. FAVORITE FAST FOOD PLACE?
MAX hamburgers (Swedish brand)

89. FAVORITE RESTAURANT?
BlowFish in Cape Town.... the sushi bar!!

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Hmm - see question 89

91. WATCH TV TODAY?
I switched it on - fell asleep and now I've done this questionare, so I think I can say no even if it's still on.

92. FAVORITE DAY OF THE YEAR??
Last day before a holiday!

93. PLAY ANY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS???
Maybe not play - but played the Trombone for many years...

94. REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT?


95. KISSES OR HUGS?
Why OR? but hugs are great cos you can get real great ones from more people!!

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Well, a relationship is to prefer

97. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU BOUGHT?
A bottle of water!

98. WOULD YOU EVER BE A HOUSEWIFE?
I hope not!

But in a way - yes, cos I will always take care of my home!

99. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING?
Acctually finished one today - "Exit Kalahari"

Don't know which one to start reading next...

100. DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE:
Hmmm.... close to unexisting.... but hey - I love my life!

Don't Worry - Be Happy

Today I've been to see Bobby McFerrin. I must admit I didn't know that much about him before and expected some kind of Reggae Music. But I couldn't be more wrong!

I was the strangest show ever - but also one of the best shows I've seen!

It was Bobby, a chair and four monitors on the stage. A one man show with just music without any instruments. He is incredible to use his voice. He can sound like an acapella group by himself. His register is four octaves....

He wasn't just really good at making music - he was a lot of fun too!

He used the audience a lot.

Even though I didn't have that much expectations - it was much better then expected!!

If Bobby McFerrin comes to a place near you - go see the show!! It's a great couple of hours!

But no, we didn't get "Don't Worry, Be Happy".....

Winter is out - Spring is in....

We've had fantastic weather for a while now and really got the feeling of spring. However you can not be too surtain until Arpil is gone. April is one of our trickiest months. The month where the weather can change from sunshine to snowfall on a coffebreak.

Now May has arrived and I can be a bit more confident about that Spring actually have arrived.

This past week I have made sure winter is out of my life for this time. The hat and the gloves went throught the washingmachine, the winter tires on my car is now off, washed and stored away to the next season. For you woh doesn't experience winter and summer tires on your car I can tell you that the feeling of getting the summer shoes on is such a relief!! The car is quiet and it is a delight to drive! So the car is now settled.

Now I had to take care of my home. During winter they will put lots of gravel on the roads for the sliperiness of snow and ice. When spring comes they come and sweep it up and that is one of the best signs of spring we have! But that sweeping together with putting the gravel there in the first place does make the surrounding dusty - as for example my windows!!

I live on the middle floor of three - quite high up from the street - but hey, my windows got dirty! So, this weekend I cleaned them, togheter with the rest of the place! And the balcony.

So, now I'm prepared for summer - my balcony is all set up and the car got it's summer shoes on! That is a grat feeling after a long dark winter!!