Roses

I had a rough day at work on Thursday and had called Klas on my lunch break pretty upset. When I came home, Klas, who had been rehearsing and working hard himself all day, was out grocery shopping for dinner. I was still settling in at home when someone knocked on the door. I tip-toed over and looked through the peep-hole, but no one was there. And then a knock again...this time I saw it was Klas and when I opened the door he handed me a bouquet of the most beautiful roses I have ever seen.

It's pretty amazing how one person can turn a bad day into a great one in a matter of seconds. I am a lucky girl to have someone so caring, and I know it. Not trying to rub it in, I just wanted to share a few pictures of these absolutely gorgeous flowers that are now sitting on my kitchen table. Aren't they incredible?

Hobbies

It seems as though the older I get, the faster times goes by. The days just come and go, and sometimes it easy to look back on the week and wonder what I did just for myself. I am a strong believer in the fact that everyone needs to have some "me" time and having a hobby is one of the best ways to do just that. Aren't we all a little happier when we do something creative, something athletic, something musical...something that doesn't feel like work?

I have been making an effort to find some new activities for myself because I realized that when I was not at work or out with friends, I was usually at home, wasting my precious free time paralyzed in front of my computer screen. Don't get me wrong, blogging is a good hobby, but facebook, peoplemagazine.com and youtube...not so much.

So first, and probably most importantly, I have purchased a one year gym membership and have set a goal for myself to work out three days a week. They have really great classes at the gym I go to including aerobics, dance and step that I am already having a blast participating in. Working out can become a hobby when you find a physical activity you truly enjoy.

My other new hobby is learning how to play the flute, as you know, and you may be glad to hear that I am getting better!

I dabble...

I decided that I wanted to start learning how to play the flute. Even though my professional musician of a boyfriend (who plays the piano, sax, clarinet, and flute) is a great teacher, it's pretty clear that I am a hopeless case. Klas makes it look so easy but after two lessons I can still hardly get the dang thing to make any noise at all.

Here is a little example of my mad skills for your listening pleasure :)...it's not easy I tell ya!

Klas takes a ride in a time machine...

Last night Klas played a gig where they were asked to dress up in 18th Century drab. It was the theme of the party so the guests were dressed up too and from what I have seen, they went all out. It must have been quite the experience to be there with all the costumes and the band playing music one might have heard at an 18th Century ball.

He sent me a picture on my cell phone while I was home doing laundry and I almost died from laughter. I think he looks pretty hot. Gotta love the powder wig...

p.s. I did get permission from Klas to post these lovely pictures, as long as I also reiterated the fact that it was a very well-paid gig :)

An Autumn Walk

Weekends are officially my favorite. Yesterday, Klas and I took a long walk, which has become one of our favorite weekend activities. This time however, we decided we would photo journal our walk and take silly pictures along the way. There are so many great places to walk, run, bicycle and just plain be outside in this city. I never fail to be amazed by the beauty of Stockholm when are out on our walks and sometimes have to pinch myself to realize that this is where I live.

Autumn has officially arrived over here and yesterday was a good wake up call to the fact the summer is now far behind us. I had to get my winter clothes down from the attic because fall here really means the beginning of winter. It's cold, and it will be so for the next six months. So, we bundled up and headed out for an autumn stroll...Yes, cold enough for a winter coat and scarf.It says, "Those of you riding your bike...think about us!"Notice the hot air baloon in the sky
We treated ourselves after an hour long walk.

What a week its been

I survived my first week at work and my first weekend of recovery. Actually, the week went really well and there was not so much to recover from except for maybe a little less sleep. As expected, it will take some time to get back into the routine of working every day but I know that it will only make me appreciate my weekends and days off even more.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I went into work at 6:30am to learn some of the morning routines. Hopefully, there will not be too many of those early mornings, but I realized over the course of the week that I will not be working 9-5. My schedule will be unpredictable and most definitely different from week to week. I like that. My collegues are great, the work is fulfilling and the possibilities to learn and grow are endless.

Friday night, Klas and I celebrated a busy and successful week for the both of us with a fabulous dinner at our favorite Greek restaurant Kalimera. Saturday I went to a friends house for a girl's day with some old friends and then I went to see Klas play at night. Today has been a sleep-in, grocery shopping and laundry kind of day...exactly what a working woman needs to recharge and prepare for the week ahead.

First day of school...I mean work

I survived my first day at work as an editor and publisher! It was a successful and fun day for me but was a bit overwhelming too, as all first days can be. Everyone I have met so far has been so friendly and helpful and I feel like I am a good fit with the team. One of the girls that sits next to me is American and grew up in Fremont, California!!! Can you believe it? Such a small world I tell you.

I have to post this picture only because it is so dorky/cute of my boyfriend...He snapped a picture of me all ready for work before I got into the elevator this morning. As if I was going off to my first day of school or something :)