Happy with myself

I just finished the studying I had planned for today. And I've made dinner. Feels very satisfying. Am now going to read some that I haven't managed to earlier. But am more at peace than I should be. Yeah!

I rock!

I've been somewhat apprehensive this past month waiting for the result of my paper in jurisprudence. I wasn't very happy with what I'd written when I handed it in in the beginning of May not quite sure of what they were expecting, knowing I had very few references to the chosen literature and being very unsure as to my political classification of the author of the main article. And today I got the result: 46/50! Wonderful. All I need now is 4 points (out of 50) on my examn in legal history to pass, and 34 to get a first. So now I'm in a very good mood when having to start my revising again and dealing with the fact that my exam is in T minus 164h and 21min.

Always look on the bright side of life...

It's settled. We won't be able to move in until the end of July. Bugger. But we'll managed. We've re-booked my parents visit to mid August (not an easy job considering the SAS strike inSweden) and even found a positive aspect of the change in plans. We were supposed to treat my parents (all of us siblings that is) to Porgy and Bess here in London as a gift to my dad. Unfortunately they've cancelled the show which was annoying. But, with the new date for their visit we can at least see another Gershwin musical. We've booked tickets for Lady Be Good at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park and I'm very much looking forward to going there. And, we've realised, that we'll now be able to attend the christening in Winborne on Sunday the 24 without getting stressed. We may even take the opportunity to see some of Dorset. We'd still prefer the old moving in date - but what can you do?

Despite this accommodation set back we decided to go to IKEA this past Saturday. We bought a shopping trolley on our way there at Argos (senior citizenship it is) which made the whole trip SO much easier. We checked things out that we'd picked from the web site and bought some stuff that's useful even now (some chine and stuff). We lost track of time at IKEA and I was 1 hour late to Sian's in the evening. We had a good time eating snacks, talking and watching Clue. Fortunately, Linus was art the Gun and left at the same time as me so I had company walking back home.

Sunday we went to the gym, bought groceries at ASDA and watched Hot Fuzz. I'm very happy with myself having run about 6 km in 10=30 min and lifted weights. I really believed I deserved relaxing in the pool afterwards. We tried making toblerone milk shakes in the evening and they turned out ok. Practise makes perfect they say.

Bank Holiday Monday was devoted to cleaning (boooring) and not much else. The flat is very nice at the moment. We'll see how long that lasts.

Friday Night thoughts

These past days my studying had gone noticeably better. After a mental dip around last weekend I've reorganised my study schedule and am feeling very good about it. I've spent the last past days reading and I feel like I've accomplished something. All I have to do now is to make sure I have enough time to finish writing my notes in my law compilation. Monday being a bank holiday isn't the best for my studies (although it'll be nice spending more time with Linus) but I'll try to get some reading done over the weekend anyway. We haven't got any specific plans - maybe some shopping (necessities) - but mostly relaxing I'm sure.

My computer is being a real pain in the ass. Linus managed to partly fix it being some damn slow when all of the sudden the electricity cable decided to only work sporadically (which we sorta fixed with duct tape) and today the adapter decided that death was right for it. Argghhh! Am so fed up with this piece of junk. I have found a new cable and adapter on ebay for a couple of quid but what I really want is a new computer, unfortunately that's not a very realistic or practical idea. But one can always dream.

I applied for a job yesterday that would be absolutely perfect, which means I won't get it. It's at an architectural firm in the Barbican (or near at least) that needs an adminstrative assistant "Assisting with the preparation of marketing materials, printing drawings, distribution incoming post, dealing with phone calls, typing, filing electronically and manually, photocopying and providing general support to the team of professional staff as required". And part-time which means I would have time to breath AND do my course in legal history (exam mid August). Keep your fingers crossed. Not that'll do much good I'm afraid. Perfect I say!

Then there's the flat. I hate the letting agency, I'm not very fond of the tenant either (unfair - I know) and I feel for Linus. Honestly! And now we have to handle my parents visit in some way... (rebook the tickets or find accommodation. Sigh!)

Withdrawal syndrome

You now you're addicted to something when no access for half a day makes you squirm. I haven't been able to log onto Facebook all day. Somethings wrong and I hate it. Especially considering how many new friend I seem to have made but can't confirm. Stupid web. (Yes, pathetic is the word.)

And still we went to the gym

Having purchased new trainers the day before we simply had to go to the Gym. We joined James and walk there and back. I felt very happy with myself with 40 min on the treadmill and 20-25 min working on my muscles. I even stretched afterwards. We relaxed in the pool aswell before heading home. But boy was I tired.

Shopping and Drinking

We decided to do some shopping on Saturday and we ventured in to Oxford Street to do Primark. On the short walk from Bond Street Station to Primark we spotted 63 people carrying bags from that same store. 63! Well, considering that you can just guess how many people were in the shop. Far too many for my taste. I took a look around but had no energy. The clothes I collected in my basket were not worth the queue we'd have to brave so I did a naughty thing: I left my half full basket under a clothing rack. I will go back. But on a week day. Never again on a Saturday. At least not the one on Oxford street.

Afterwards we went to Argos on Edware Road. I felt much better this time around for the simple reason that I knew how to shop there AND I had jotted down the catalogue number at home. Unfortunately there was no shopping trolley left of the kind I wanted (yes, I am a senior citizen in disguise) so we had to settle for some other stuff: a torch (kinda), a yoga set and plastic covering for our out-door furniture. We had a nice lunch at one of the many Lebanese places (a pita roll with marinaded lamb and chicken in chili and sesame sauce) and sat out side. We continued our senior citizenshipiness by taking a stroll in Hyde Park and sitting on a bench by the Serpentine watching people walk by.

In the evening we met up with Chris and did Clerkenwell. We started off at the pool place and had a game and a couple of drinks (I beat Linus!!!!). We then continued to The Slaughtered Lamb and had a couple more drinks. We finished off at Tinstletown where I enjoyed a Reese's Peanut butter Cup Milkshake and we shared a platter of Nachos. The evening was great and I really enjoyed myself. Even chasing after the night bus was al right. A bit irritating though when one stop after another was closed down and we had to hurry all the way to Aldgate. Once there we were all stressed out since we couldn't find the actual stop at first and the bus was to come at any second. My feet were killing me as well. But we made it. And once we got home we slept. Long.

Finally

Linus has now exchanged contracts and if nothing goes wrong (eg the tennat being difficult) we should be able to move in in June. Yeay! Am very much looking forward to it and the IKEA trips.

I came home yesterday (actually today) at just before 1 am after a bar round in Shoredich with Ariadne. It was very nice and we had a lot to talk about. Not surprising with 14 years catching up to do but even so we spoke of other things than what has been. Coming home late with two vodkas and two glasses of rum in me made this place feel even more like home.

PUB * 2

I'm trying to be a good student, yes I am. I get up every morning with Linus and then I study (sort of) until he gets back home. But it's so dreary. How can it be so difficult to find the energy to study when you actually really enjoy the subject?

We went to our local yesterday with Matt and James. It was very nice and I had an Irish Coffee (maybe not the best idea at 10 in the evening). This evening I'm meeting up with one of my closest friends from Junior School in Greece. We haven't seen each other for 14 years so we should have plenty to talk about. Feeling quite frivolous going out to a bar/pub twice during a working week. Good!

Eurovision song contest

I like to watch the eurovision. I find it entertaining because (a) of the ridiculously funny acts, (b) of evil presenters on telly, (c) there usually are a couple of songs that can be deemed good (in a way). Check a and b. But c? Nowhere to be found. I can't remember seeing one where there were no acts I found even remotely interesting, except for those that were just ludicrous. More the pity. I have this memory that there usually are, at least a couple of them. But no such luck. Sweden was fair (not too embarrassing) with its 70s pop tune so I did what any good citizen must do (now that she has the opportunity, being abroad) I voted for them. Hehe. I felt very Machiavellian. It was a slow night... (Oh, btw. I now understand the purpose of Terry Wogan.)

London baby!

So now I'm here, and aside from a exam stayover in Lund in the beginning of June I will be until the end of August. OMG! Of course my main mission right now is to study for my hellish exam (7 straight hours -ough). Of course I also have to find a summer job. I'd like something like legal secretarial work. A job with office hours, perhaps nearing the field of my studies, and then I don't care much if it isn't too stimulating. I can sort papers like a chap. Any ideas? I'm very glad to be here.

My dad's birthday party went great and he was very happy with our theme: College days in America in the 40's. (He lived it!) Our gift to him was also a success. We got him a collection of nostalgic gifts all packed up in a fake old suitcase. There were speeches, loads of food (BBQ!) and everybody was on their very best behavious. Each of us kids received a gift as well. Our dad has printed and bound the first part of his memoirs and we got one each. Very happy about that.

packing

is difficult at times. especially if you're off for 3-4 months and if you're very fond of your wardrobe. my bags have been filled to the rim and I do hope we'll get everything on board when we fly to London. wanting to bring my computer hasn't really helped things along. well at least I handed in my paper this morning and it's all done. I had a bit of a problem since a format in the document made in open office got stuck when I opened it in word to print it out. it took me a while to sort out which was a bother. well, well. now I'm off in an hour and a half. see you sthlm!

all done

sort of. at least I'm not writing any more tonight. it's probably not very good and I haven't used my course literature enough, but I just can't be bothered to write any more. tomorrow I'll have a couple of read throughs and make some fine adjustments. I just hope I can hand it in before noon. would be a relief. and then I'm freee... to study for my exam. hmph.

small and pathetic

yes, that's me all right. as if doing this paper isn't bad enough (I just cannot find inspiration to write anywhere) I've just been to the doctor's. I've been bothered by a mole for a while and I wanted it and a couple of others checked out just in case. they were all fine, but I also have one which needed to be removed out of practical reasons. I wanted this and the doctor agreed. there's just one teensy weensy problem: I'm petrified of shots. just the idea makes me want to cry and knowing I will receive a couple just makes me lose it a bit. so there I was, all alone, hyperventilating and sobbing a bit whilst the procedure was done. afterwards I felt all week and small so I had an ice cream. am feeling a bit better now after having spoken to Linus. and I know, my reaction is utterly pathetic, but there you are.

Demcracy and Genetic Integrity

Well, that's the name of the article I have to summarise and analyse until Friday. Am SO looking forward to it. NOT. 2000 words shouldn't be too difficult - the contents... that's another story. At least I've read through it a couple of times. Now to proper analysis.

It's been a nice weekend with plenty of celebration (Valpurgis and May Day are big around here) and spending time with Linus. Linus' sister came for a visit on Sunday and we did the town (even the Cathedral), had ice cream in the botanical garden (from the Italian Gelateria mmm) and lunch at a café. Very nice except for the weather being very shifty and me loosing my May flower (a pin that's sold for children's charities at this time of year). On Valpurgis (here called Siste April (Last day of April)) I had lunch with the order of the Magnolia and in the evening I went to the party at the Academic Society, including spex (a farcical musical show) which was so-so and ended up at the Ball in Grand Hotel for Wermland's Nation. Good day all in all. I did have a bit of a trivial panic attack when it came to my wardrobe that day. I hadn't found anything to wear which pleased me so I decided to go shopping to find something cheep and doable at perhaps H&M. I did find something, less cheep and NOT at H&M. But falling in love is irresistible. My wallet isn't in agreement. But that's life. May Day was mostly lazy and a day for pizza.

Not I should get back to my school work (ugh) but first I have to admit to my latest addiction: Facebbok. I've never fancied any of these network sites before, but this one's dangerous. Even more so after finding long lost friends.