Alexandra in Atlanta

The box

2010-01-28T06:11:00.003-05:00

I've compared American/Swedish/European culture 100s of times and my conclusion is different each time. Sometimes I feel like it's really one, sometimes I burst out in frustrating of not understanding/understanding too well and sometimes I just find things rather quaint over here.

But one thing I just can't get a grip of is the box. You know, the box you carry food (definition of food is very vague) home from the restaurant tables. I know this is chocking for all you North American natives but this really isn't common in Europe. You either eat everything on the plate or you leave whatever you can't eat.

Sometimes I find the box to be a very good!: Imagine if you feel really hungry, eat an appetizer and then when your sandwich is served your really don't feel like force eating it for the sake of... eating it. Box it!

But I also found the box to be very misused (abused?): You have 4 fries on your plate, which you do not intend to eat. Your neighbour leans over and ask you if "you're having them". They end up in a small box with some complimentary bread.

What do you think about the box... is it on the hit or dis list? ;-)

the treadmill (of my life!)

2010-01-28T05:46:00.001-05:00

Something I used to do quite a bit, but have kind of slacked off doing, is running. I kind of failed the first holiday obstacle. The first one... The only bright thing is that it's still time for redemption, I can turn this around. But only if I decide to really want to do it!

And to do so, I have to go back in my earlier life encounters with exercise and see what was wrong.

I played all kind of sport's when I was younger: Soccer, basketball, floorball, tennis etc. Soccer was always the ongoing favorite, but I played and liked both tennis and basketball for more than two years. But something always made me loose the interest. After a while it just wasn't that fun anymore, and I preferred not doing it.

The basketball consisted of rather aggressive, angry, girls who I had nothing in common with nor wanted to have so. The tennis group had this obnoxious boy who always said how bad all the girls were (probably a correct statement but nonetheless created a bad feeling for a 12 year old). And the soccer. I kicked ass at soccer, I was really good. But somehow I started to associate this picture of some kind of "shemale" with soccer, and had to quit.

I still love to play soccer, the rush of the game always gets me as well as the deep rooted desire of winning. But it's not very often you find 12+ ppl to play soccer with and the "shemale" picture is still quite vivid. So the last five years of my life have consisted of very sporadic exercise. Got in to running about 4 times, always with a "fall out" ending, same with the gym and aerobics. Always lasted for about three months and then, naaaa.

But now I've decided, to bit the cookie (or no cookies) and keep going to the gym, keep running and feel perfect with myself (Health, Strong and Awesome!).

Can you do it? I really hope I'm inspiring someone ells to take care of their exercise and health!

Just found a new Lily Allen song

2010-01-23T20:55:00.004-05:00

What do you think? ;-)

What did people do before the Internet?

2010-01-22T23:01:00.002-05:00

First of all: If you're bored today, imagine 20 years ago when you couldn't watch movies online/read blogs or even the news. Second of all: your 100+ googles a day would be eliminated and your knowledge waaay limited. Third of all: Every time you wanted to talk to someone in another country or just a good 10 miles away you had to either call someones house: "Hello... is Richard there? Oh really, I telephoned during the 80 % of the day when he's not home or available... I am just going to try later" or send a letter. Yes... a letter (one of those old fashion constructions consisting of an envelope, a stamp and a sheet of paper).

???

The Tyra show

2010-01-21T16:41:00.003-05:00

There are certain things I just don't do. I don't expect people to give me things, I don't drink regular soda (why would people ever do that?) and I do not watch talkshows. These things have been a part of who I am for a long time, and I've always liked -not doing- these things. But, thanks to Miss Tyra Banks, the 3rd no no has started to change.

Not very often, certainly not every week, but every now and then it happens. Usually I'm sitting in the sofa, totally not expecting the emerging threat of a daytime talkshow, with the computer casually listening to the TV. Then all of a sudden I realize that it's turned from "casually listening" to full attention span watching. And it's all Miss Banks fault; The woman combine hot stars with heartbreaking "cry me a river" inputs: what to do!

& one of those caught me today. And wow... it was heartbreaking! The whole episode was dedicated to subjects as "I belonged to a cult and married my first cousin when I was 14" and "I'm a child prostitute but my dream is to go to Albany state and become a psychologist". And if there's anyone who respond to "cry me a river" with a river, it's me.

So I've now spend 1 hour crying like a baby and should get back to the psychology. I'm thinking about enforcing TV restriction on myself. Starting in 23 hours.

Oh Wednesday

2010-01-20T11:46:00.002-05:00

The purpose of this post was to bash some socialist Obama "we love you" article I read. But then I started to listen to "Come away with me" by Norah Jones. It's impossible to be productive, in a bash biased media way, while you listen to this little piece of great music.

If you ever heard the song before, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, click on the link above right now (you're missing out!).

"And I want to walk with you

On a cloudy day

In fields where the yellow grass grows knee-high

So won't you try to come"

Ra RA RAaw

2010-01-16T15:43:00.004-05:00

It's been a cute Saturday this far; Zach's in town to check up on the car he's interested in and we're soon to head out for lunch (late lunch;-).

And we're going to RA. It's the best sushi restaurant in Atlanta, without a doubt. There might be other places with slightly better menu, venture and what ells; but the total result at RA must be unbeatable.

Have you guys been there?

For 1 hour

2010-01-15T12:17:00.003-05:00

I've been on hold for an hour, and counting. It's remarkable how slow every single government related bureau is. It doesn't matter if you're in the US or Sweden... it's ridiculous. But the absolutely best thing is how they just say "please hold". Not so much as an estimate of how many minutes/hours you're going to waste.

Gaah...

I'm sorry... Or am I?

2010-01-15T07:41:00.005-05:00

I feel terrible about my last week blog effort. It's really been a sad excuse for an effort. But the truth is, I haven't done much. Have been working with school work and an article. Even though I got some what of a disoriented self image of my own importance, not even I believe you'll enjoy reading about my days consisting of nothing.

It's almost like I've been sparing you from falling asleep of boredom in front of your computer. So perhaps I shouldn't feel terrible about the last week's "effort" but you guys should feel thankful for the lack of production? :-)

Back to the interesting life of John Malkovich.

Stockholm

2010-01-15T04:16:00.000-05:00

I miss you!

Time for some fav shows

2010-01-14T20:06:00.004-05:00

I've always had a little bit of an odd taste in tvshows; I love everything between The Xfiles, It's always Sunny in Philadelphia and 2 &1/2 men. One show I absolutely love nowadays is Parks and Recreation. Amy Poehler is Hilarious and the whole charisma of the show is to die for. So I'm now preparing for some cosy time in front of the telly. You should too. Or work and do something more productive. ;-)

Xx Alex

Can someone tell me about

2010-01-13T13:45:00.002-05:00

some interesting, just amusing, blogs to read? Really don't have more than three right now

So far...

2010-01-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

Sarah Palin ♥ Fox news

2010-01-12T05:22:00.002-05:00

I don't think anyone spit out their coffee in surprise by reading about the"new" love story between Sarah Palin and Fox news. Personally, I believe making her an official contributor is like going public with a relationship; no one around you is surprised, except by the fact that it took so long.

I still have to admit, I'm excited. I want to see what Palin can do with an hour of air time or just commenting about some issue briefly. Will the excitement around her stay, or will she turn out to be a little to much Alaskan and socially conservative/totalitarian for my taste?

Go Palin! I do think you're absolutely fantastic with your "go and get it" spirit and entrepreneurial ways. The whole less government thing is also very appreciated

Sweden post 2

2010-01-11T11:11:00.002-05:00

The Swedish Royal Family consists of a number of persons in the Swedish Royal House of Bernadotte.

Early, painfully so, Sunday morning

2010-01-10T06:20:00.002-05:00

Good morning America!

I know there's no birds singing outside (they all probably died in the cold spell or migrated just in time) and there's most certainly no sunlight. But I am determined to not let it bring me down! As my most reliable allies I got the Wall Street Journal, a cup of coffee and a goal: Finish all my "to do"s so I can go to Macy's and find something I like. Yes all you poor fashonista's who follow this blog, I will give you something to love;-)

So I encourage all of you to do the same! Make this day your "finish up day" and then reward yourself with something you like to do! Play pool and drink tasty drinks/beer with some friends, listen to Sean Hannity blast "let freedom ring" or your favorite left wing political voice... Trust me, if you deserve it, it will feel even better!

Over and out;-)

What I found on twitter

2010-01-10T03:04:00.004-05:00

Thank you, http://twitter.com/righttees, for having hilarious post's

Sweden, post 1

2010-01-08T05:54:00.003-05:00

I think it's time to start educating my blog readers about Sweden. I mean, you are following a blog written by a Swede, you should be giving some info and background; what made me into who I am;-). So I'm starting Sweden facts. I'm thinking a 10 post little thing. ;-)

Fudge, Alabama and Sean Hannity

2010-01-08T02:41:00.005-05:00

For the second time around, I tried to make my own home made fudge. Sounds delightful, right? Well the result was horrible and definitely not eatable. But I am a fighter, so I might try again. Or I'll just give up on fudge, as not worth fighting for;-)

The rest of the day was consumed by the national championship game in collage football. What to do when your other half lives and dies for the sport? It was however a great game, and best of all; Bama played great!

The third thing I dedicated the day to was Sean Hannity. Perhaps not the most mainstream thing to do, but definitely a walk down memory lane for me. A good old friend of mine used to subscribe to his radio show and after I while I got my own subscription. Many hours were spend listening to the very conservative Hannity. Even though I'm way more freedom directed than Hannity, I believe in personal freedom when it comes to the private life as well as economics, I always enjoyed his show and the way he communicated with people. An excellent example is his freedom conserts... Haha:-) I know I would love to attend one!

Twitter Twitter

2010-01-03T22:40:00.003-05:00

To be or ... did it just happen?

2010-01-03T01:52:00.008-05:00

2009 / 2010 =

Blankest Year ?

I strongly advise you to listen to the song... It is, to put it simple, awesome. But my judgment might be clouded since I got a good deal of nostalgia attached to it. Went to see the band w/my sister in Munich, Germany, 2008. Only two words can describe that trip... Epic & insane :-)

And the picture is 2006. Four years ago, wow...

Easy food

2009-12-22T15:07:00.000-05:00

I know this isn't a food blog, and attempt to make it into one would be rather pathetic. But I'm cooking in the kitchen right now... my own Bolognese recipe. It's just too delicious not to share. Warning: This is not healthy:-) Perfect to cook for the date whom you told about your "fab" cooking abilities or just a sweet boyfriend.

Serves about two:

1. 200 grams of minced meat. (Baison is healthier and better quality but more expensive. I've also noticed that regular minced meat capture more of the flavor).

2. four slices of bacon

3. half onion

4. five mushrooms

5. three tomatoes (in a mixer)/a can of diced tomatoes

6. milk

7. Parmesan

8. three garlic cloves

9. Spices: about two tablespoons paprika, three tablespoons oregano, S&P, sugar

10. red wine

11. Worshire sauce

Start with putting the bacon in a frying pan. Fry until crispy. Add mincedmeat or baison minced meat Fry until well done.
Then add mushrooms and onion. When everything is as fried as you want it, add about a glass of red wine, any kind really. Let most of it boil away then add the tomatoes.
Add about 2 tablespoons woshire sauce. Now it's time for number 10,spices. Even though I like to add the smoked paprika with the meat, that's optional. So just go ahead, add oregano, paprika, S&P as well as about a teaspoon sugar. All the spices are after you're own taste: More or less of everything if you want to. Also, if you like a little bit of fire, add cayenne pepper. Also peel and press the garlic cloves.
Add about a half cup, 1 dl, milk. This is to make it thicker and add a dairy feeling to it. As everything ells, don't like it don't use it. The final step is to grade the parmesan, and you're good to go. Enjoy;-)

Alons, Mednikow and kitchen table

2009-12-21T18:34:00.003-05:00

Phew, it was a couple of fun but exhausting days in Augusta. I'm sorry for the post-lacking, it always seems to happen after a Augusta visit(?)

I had a great day yesterday. We just got a new kitchen table, gorgeous with metal-isch legs and a glass top. So we had to have a opening lunch for it and went to Alons deli to get a little bit of everything:-) And, not to be a surprise, we did get a little bit of quite a few things. Alons deli is the best deli I ever been to, side by side to a little deli in La Napoule (outside Cannes, France). It's so tasty and their lamb springrolls & baked duck is to die for. If you live in Atlanta, go there!

Then we went to the Phipps Plaza and Lenox Mall. Robert got cute, had a haircut, and than returned his iPhone to exchange it later. I was looking around the mall as Robert was cutting his hair and found such a diamond;-) The store Mednikow has everything 40 to 70 % off! They're closing in Atlanta and wants everything gone! If you haven't bought all your gifts and want to spend a little bit more; go there! Even though it's still kind of expensive imagine a ring that used to cost 2000 $ is now between 1200 to 700 $. Quite a few things where 70 % of....

They had a magnificent selection of watches. Rolex, Patek Philippe and my all time favorite;

Cartier

Roadtrip ready!;-)

2009-12-19T12:53:00.003-05:00

I know, it's hardly a roadtrip. But I am ready for 2.5 hours in a car, destination Augusta. I love to rid cars... Definitely my favorite transportation of them all... I wish you could take the car to Europe. Something I really hate, BUT of course understand, is how you can't drink in a car. I would love to drink drinks, listen to music and then arrive to the party like after 2 hours, haha. I guess that's way karaoke taxi is so popular in Europe, as well as limos. Limos are condemned to success though; You can drink in them, listen to music and if you really wish, dance a little bit.

I'm sorry for the bad photo's, I need a camera:-), but I really wanted to show you my fix up. The hairband with the shirt, with the beautiful bow? Cute or what:-) all in a old fashion pink

Time for Augusta

2009-12-19T09:54:00.004-05:00

Yepp, we're going to Robert's hometown today. The official mission is "dresser" but our Augusta trips usually includes spending time with Robert's old friends, they're so sweet:-)!, as well as some relatives. It's hard not to like the city, everything always seems so simple when we're there. There's no "city pace" feeling at all, and you can really allow yourself to relax.

It's now time for the shower and beauty treatment... Have no idea what happened but I truly look awful this morning.

Do you know what Augusta is famous for? Obvious cue: the picture is painted of "the place" ;-)

Yawn

2009-12-18T22:56:00.003-05:00

Yawn... I know it's Friday and I should be out living my life at some party as a person in his/her 20ties is supposed too, but this person is tired after a long day. I have finished up all my basic work, read all the news I should and, as you can see, changed my blog layout. Very exhausting for a person who to start out with had to google align and background url(?). Please tell me which one of the layout's you prefer? I just though the other one was a bit, too much, but if you disagree please enlight me!

A late night "The Office" just started. Going to make some tea and laugh for 30 minutes and then, Zzzzz

The office vs. working out

2009-12-18T18:24:00.003-05:00

I was going to get in a match with the treadmill when all of a sudden "The Office" started. And even though I love to run and do crunches, y e y , it's not comparable to my love for "the Office". It's 30 minutes of absolutely hilarious TV. I think you have to have worked in an office environment with a boss, or coworker, who reminds you of the office cast to fully appreciate the show. I myself always get vivid flashbacks to old work experiences!

And as all the office fans knows, you got to choose side, British/American version. As the European I am, I got to go with the original, British, version as my favorite... I still watch the American version all the time, and LOVE every second of it.

The Office I

The Office II

Is anyone but me in the mood for

2009-12-18T13:15:00.008-05:00

Caipirinha?

It's a delicious drink, origin Brazil. My aunt lived in South America (some country... Brazil, or perhaps Colombia?) during the 70ties and the drink followed home to my parents and now to me. It's lovely, perfect for a)drink night/pre party with friends b) a summer dinner with a "want to be" lover/passionate already lover. A pitcher with caiprinha to fajitas or a brazilian steak?;-) c) during hot summer nights, when you have friends over on a garden party and organize it as a "free summer night with no worries"!

Ingridients:

2 ounces (60 ml) Cachaca (can be replaced with vodka... but preferably not!)
2 Limes
2 tbsp Superfine sugar
Crushed ice
A "lowball", "rocks" or "Old-Fashioned" glass
A pestle (from a mortar and pestle -- or something similar) for the muddling.

To do:

Cut the lime into 8 pieces each. Muddle lime and sugar in the bottom of a glass or cocktail shaker (with the pestle). Add cachaca. Add about 1 cup crushed ice. Cover and shake vigorously. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve with a straw.

Didn't quite grip the brazilian way? Need a video to show you? Click here for an awesome little video

Dried bananas...

2009-12-18T10:25:00.003-05:00

As a not knowing any better 15 yrs old I started to eat dried bananas as a healthy snack. And indeed, it's rather "healthy" in a Vitamin A respect as well as if you get the right kind, it's just banana slices, nothing you don't really know what it is, as candy way too often include. But if you in any way is trying to have a fat/kcal/carbs low snack it's a big No No. That's great to know when you're already hooked on them and now have to pay 6 $ for a little snack that make you fat. Thank you, dried bananas.

Treacherous Dried Bananas = 500 kcal/100 g or 3.2 oz

Atlantic City?

2009-12-17T10:02:00.001-05:00

Why have more than one of my intelligent friends asked my how it is to live in Atlantic city? I don't have anything against Atlantic City (except the fact that it's b grad of Vegas and Vegas is already kind of trashy...) but it's very far away and has nothing in common with Atlanta? Except the first six letters. Hm...

entertainment in Atlantic City ;-)

My nemisis

2009-12-17T06:17:00.004-05:00

The treadmill. I have concluded that I most sincerely, utterly, hate the treadmill. Every morning it's waiting for me, waiting to bring me pain and shortage of breath. And by shortage of breath I mean gasping for air not knowing if my lungs still got the ability to do what they're there for.

I start to dread it as I'm putting on my workout outfit. It gets worse when I press the floor, 7Th. When I'm at the stage that I actually enter in which "setting", I know there's no way out and it's going to hurt soon. Aerobic, II. It's going to hurt.

And during my workout it feels like it's mocking me. You can't run faster than 6.5? You turning it down to 5.5? you really thought a 5 minutes had past? And the best part is how it pairs up with the super fit runner next to me, who challenge all laws of physics and runs 1 hour at 7.0.

Oh sigh, it's time for the deathmill again.

Wednesday

2009-12-16T06:57:00.004-05:00

It's noon, and the day began a long time ago. And since Atlanta decided to be totally unpredictable, it's 55 F and sunny. Since I believe it's important to live in symbiosis with your city, I dressed unpredictable. Last years jeans jacket, pearls, black dress + bow and a pair of black ray banies.

Now it's time for me and Robert to have fun time... Wonder what we're going to do? I wanted to ice skate but, duh, there's no ice skating in Georgia. I guess that got to wait until New York next week.

Telephone-date

2009-12-15T16:04:00.003-05:00

After a day of nonsense, (since I'm no longer allowed to write ps******gy or St*****s...) am I ready for the highlight: a telephone date with Amelie. I know that "telephone date" sounds as exciting as "I meet my friends over the Internet" and reminds you of that long distance relationship that you saw in the not so good college movie, but when you have 8000 km (4700 miles) between each other, and too many good memories, that is the kind of things you got to resort too. And my dear dear Amelie, she's a really great friend. Funny & bright with a wild thing inside;-)

Christmas cravings

2009-12-14T16:18:00.003-05:00

I woke up this morning with big Christmas cravings. I've spend the last 6 years eliminating my "care for decorations and cooking candy" but I still got the luuve for Christmas deep inside me. I love the jingle bells, the coke commercials and the beautiful decorations you can see everywhere in all us city's. A

Listen to one of my favorite Christmas songs (no. 1 is always the original "dreaming of a white Christmas") & have a great day!

Have yourself a Marry little Christmas!

Atlanta2009/the Fog1980

2009-12-14T15:20:00.005-05:00

Do you recall my remark about the Atlanta weather bearing resemblance with an 80's horror movie? Well, it's the exact same today and I want to show you with a picture. And keep in mind, this is the 26Th floor, your supposed to see a couple of really high skyscrapers accompanied by some shorter:

You can't see anything except the fog! Literally, it's just white fog.

I wonder if this little guy is outside in my fog as well? Or was that just in the 80s?

Conquests from the market

2009-12-13T17:44:00.006-05:00

It was a cozy Swedish market, a lot of Swedes and quite some Americans. I brought home two top notch Swedish items:

"prinskorv" It's small sized sausage we have on our christmas buffee (correct term smorgardsbord). It's actually one of my favorites... I eat them when the ribs and egg halves w/h shrimp are all gone. It might not sound tasty, but it is! :-)

Önos syrup! Önos make's all kind of sweet sides as jam, juice, syrup (which you mix with water and get great juice), applesauce etc. It's very good juice as well as an adorable bottle (glass with the little cork).

Well, that was my christmas market. I missed out on the atlanta trashers tickets and signed hockey stick, but I think I'll get by. Even though that would been sick. :-)

Swedish Christmas market!

2009-12-13T13:12:00.004-05:00

I'm of to the Swedish Christmas market in Atlanta! It's so foggy outside it bear a strong resemblance with an 80s horror movie, but I'm optimistic! Mostly due to the great organizers, SWEA Atlanta.

My pretty picture today is of my favorite Christmas pictures of Jenny Nystrom. The picture is so old Swedish, farmer land, Christmas with the way more moderate traditional Swedish Santa and the goat who drags the snow sledge... and it makes me feel so Christmasie!

"Tomten" (Santa Clause) by the celebrated Jenny Nystrom

it's time to face it

2009-12-13T10:24:00.003-05:00

I'm just not a good little blogger. I don't think I do anything as it's supposed. To make it clearer to all you poor souls who every now and then type in alexandrainatlanta:

I must appear to have some kind of identity crisis going on; One day I'm a Atlanta "the city" blogger then I switch to being a fashion blogger (yes... that must be the biggest joke of them all) just to resort to a political enlighter
Posting. Again, we're seeing some kind of chameleon appear. One post a day, four days break, three posts a day, writing for a week, lazing out for a week
I'm posting an alarming amount about studding and Starbucks. Borderline pathetic

I'm not quite ready to give in... I'm going to take action against number 2 & 3. No more Starbucks/psychology and no more weekly breaks. :-)

Have a great sunday!

/The not so good blogger

Why?

2009-12-09T23:21:00.003-05:00

Why?

- Do too cute/borderline pestilential couples act as they do? Everyone gets it, you like each other. That doesn't mean you have to call your beau snippets all the time

- Are people who claim to have "heart" left? The most prosperous job in a big government economy is... politician: You earn ridiculous salaries for deciding how to take and spend other peoples money, you eat your lunch on some kind of "representation" account and you most likely cheat with your own taxes. The ones most hurt are from the hard, lower paid, jobs (If you don't got 5 kids going through university, two battles with cancer and in need of some bailout money average/plumber Joe is going to pay more in taxes than you'll get back in a socialistic(L) economy). Why doesn't heart mean help who you want to, try to influence other's and let other people do the same?

- Have every single olympic medalist on men's 10 000 meter the last 17 years been from Maraco, Etiopia and Kenya?

I've been ill

2009-12-08T17:44:00.003-05:00

I'm so sorry for the total lack of updates, but I've been ill with some kind of semi influenza. I'm feeling much better now:-)

The only thing I want to say right now is a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear Emelie. I wish I could be with you in Paris and feed you Macarons & champagne! But I'm sure someone will, or probably quite some persons!

The light is on

2009-11-30T19:47:00.009-05:00

But nobody is home

24 days to christmas

2009-11-30T16:17:00.002-05:00

Wow, I'm getting excited about Christmas. Most years my brother and sister been my favorite Christmas presents, just being able to spend the day with them have meant the world to me. It's rather hard not to be able to do that this year, I want my siblings! :-) But the fact that I got Robert instead is very exciting, and important. Also I got some sweet friends that I hopefully get to met in NYC (from Europe Bella Ravelius & Lise).

But as Christmas gets closer, I'm starting to feel ready to "Christmas-up"! I've stocked up with saffron (for the Swedish Christmas buns) and some cinnamon for cinnamon thins. I know that bakery chef Alexandra usually got the talent equal a rock or in best case scenario a 2 year old just taught the word "Mama", but I'm going to give it a try, haha:-)

After thanksgiving coma

2009-11-29T19:41:00.004-05:00

I'm used to after Christmas coma, after to much Swedish meatballs, gingerbread thins and Swedish Christmas beverage glogg, but not in November and instead created by to much pie, turkey and beer. As all food/too cosy time fatigue you don't just snap out of it, you have to force yourself out. So... I'm forcing myself right now by blogging(?) :-)

I actually had a quick snap out of it moment; I went to the Georgia Tech/Georgia game yesterday. And as all you sports fans know, Georgia beat Tech all the way back to their dorms;-) So much for Acc team "ranked number 7th".

And football games are awesome, can you ask for a better get drunk and have fun moment?

Time for some update reading, Atl re-mayor election is on December 1st and I want to know exactly whom I'm cheering for. But as small government big people I am, it looks like Mary Norwood is my choice. But who knows, she might end up being a twitt as well

I'm really thinking of my dear, dear friend Amanda right now (Since we last year spend a fabulous thanksgiving together in Savannah). This is a photo from San Diego, (unfortunately no Savannah pictures). Isn't she so gracious? I kind of feel like Quasimodo on this picture:-)

Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T10:04:00.008-05:00

I'm getting more and more excited for Thanksgiving. But with the excitement comes worries, I'm going to meet Robert's whole Augusta based family. That includes his grandparents, whom are over 85 years old, their friends and of course his mother and father. I guess it's common with, "what if they don't like me", but that doesn't make it any easier for me! And the fact that I'm from a very different country, I mean... Sweden compared to conservative Georgia and don't speak English perfect makes it even more nerve racking.

But one thing I don't want to fail with is the outfit. I've put on a few suggestions, can I please have some thoughts from you who knows "what to wear on thanksgiving" (and anyone with an opinion:-)). I would love shoe suggestions too! Remember though, I'm short, 5.3 feet or 161 cm.

The conservative little grey, no low cut nor extremely short + a tad of chic with the sleeves

This dress is longer then it looks like and the cut isn't that low. But to European? or cute?
No low cut and not especially short. Is it feminine or just not working?

Pink lips

2009-11-24T17:25:00.005-05:00

Is it last year? Is it the wrong season? Probably. But I love love pink lips. It's my new to hot not to wear. I love to either go with bright pink lips, enhance my dark brown hair and put on a chic jacket and a pair of matching high heels or the more modest baby pink together with a gossip girl a la Blair inspired dress with a silk bow tied around the black skirt part.

And if it wasn't winter, I would put on a striped shirt, light jeans jacket and black skirt with the color on the picture. I'm going to stick with those pink lips for a while.

101 fat burning foods

2009-11-24T11:26:00.002-05:00

I'm soon to experience my first thanksgiving with Robert (I spend it in Savannah last year, with Amanda:-)!), and his family. And even though I love holidays like thanksgiving and Christmas, I got to admit, it isn't good for the shape. It's so easy to put on a couple of pounds, and it can make you feel really uncomfortable. My first tip, to myself among others, is to hit the gym or swimming pool a few extra times. But just in case you want some extra tricks between the turkey and the Christmas candy, I found a really funny website.

101 fat burning foods

You just click on the category, and you get tips how to eat it and why it's good for you. And they are all excellent fat burners.

So put your snack cravings to some good use!

Memories

2009-11-24T07:35:00.009-05:00

It's now 8 months since I left Sweden. And it's been wonderful, with great friends here and a great Robert. But no matter how good things are, I miss some pretty precious persons form Sweden. It's amazing how blind you are to what you have before you don't have it anymore. I know, it's an old saying, but is so for a reason; You don't understand before you already lost it and then you love to preach about it.

But what to do then? There are probably millions of humans whom all are in the same situation as I am. Here's my little help list

Facebook. It might sound ridiculous but it really helps. It's an easy way to send a quick message, or a long "I miss you and want you here" letter. But this comes with a warning, over use can lead to more missing than relief!
Think about them. Just spend a small amount of time to remember all those things you haven't thought about for years as well as those wonderful things that make them them.
Tell them you miss them. Of course you have to accept that their lives goes on, and you're not there. But that doesn't mean that you can't keep your friendship alive.

This really makes me think about all those great personalities, experiences and how much of an impact some of my loved ones have had on my life and who I am today. I just hope that everyone knows how much I love them and wish I could spend time with them.

Just some pictures of missed fellas:-)!

To fur or not to fur, that's the question?

2009-11-22T07:40:00.005-05:00

I know... I should be able to concentrate for more than 2 hours. But task's involving excessive information makes me bored & a psychology book with way to much obvious stuff mixed in with "I've never heard that before" is a trap I can't avoid falling into. So when I've checked svd.se, wsj.com and a handful of interesting websites ("interesting", I just read the Sweden page on wikipedia...) I start to log on to blogger. It's very silly, but I really like to write different posts here:-)

And now to the Title: To Fur or not to Fur.

The question has been debated for the last 30 years, is it morally right to wear fur, or not. The question pushed by the ones desiring a ban got two branches; either that animals got the right to not be made in to fur or that it's disgusting to wear fur.

I myself got two jackets and a fur collar. I believe that fur is fabulously gorgeous as well as perfect for the Swedish winter. I have never had any other jacket that's actually kept me warm (not even the hideous, too big, dun ones). And I also believe that it's perfectly natural for humans to wear fur; it feel way less disgusting than some man made "creation".

Unfortunately is this a question which angry, violent, advocates have taken hostage. Organizations like Peta (they like to throw paint on people wearing fur and are strongly associated to numerous of violent groups, e.g. animal liberation front) has somewhat succeeded in making it cool to not only hate fur but put animals first. I love animals, especially dogs (I've had five in my life), but I would never hesitate between a person and an animal.

I do believe that we as humans got a responsibility to treat animals with respect and mercy. But I don't believe that's violated by using them for clothes. Leather and skin... is always ok, isn't it. But not fur. I guess that's to obvious an animal for the person wearing it, so they can't close their eyes good enough.

So to Fur or not to Fur, that's the question

I adore the one to the right!

5.45 am

2009-11-22T05:37:00.005-05:00

brr... It's away too early to be awake. But I've quite some things to do, so I thought it was time for an early morning. A good thing with early mornings on peachtree st. 860 is the Starbucks across the street, open at 5.30. And they've finally started with the yummy Christmas beverages!

I have to say that I'm not a big fan of flavored coffee. I usually like my coffee dark, rich and black and never really got the whole "almond toffee crunch or apricot cream" thing. Why would I like that in my coffee? It taste more like an awkward, syrupy, aftertaste than anything ells, not satisfying at all. But... the Peppermint Mocha is tasty tasty! It's so much more a "coffee drink" than coffee with weird sickly sweet taste.

That was my coffee review, take care and have great days;-)

TGIF;)

2009-11-20T23:08:00.007-05:00

Hey everyone!

Just want to post my "I'm getting ready to barhop" photo:-) Probably going to some bars around Emory, since Robert feels at home there. Today Robert's old friend Zach is here, from Augusta! Wish us a happy, rowdy, night!

Stockholm Street Style

2009-11-20T05:30:00.007-05:00

Good morning!

My day has just started, soon getting ready to make my coffee and grab something energizing! But as I'm getting ready, to update myself with what to wear today, I'm searching a site called Stockholm street style. Found the perfect inspiration:

Just imagine longer hair with big curls (still rather short though) & a short skirt with black pantyhose and big heels. And pink lipstick :-) I feel ready for psychology now!

Hatred based on race

2009-11-19T17:05:00.006-05:00

I am so tired of all racist and bigots out there! I just keep wondering how they find any kind of logic in their own reasoning? How can people make any kind of judgment from such a collectivised view based on BS?

This might came out sounding harsh but, you see, the political scene in Sweden is changing; A party called the "Sweden democrats" are most likely going to enter the Swedish Parliament in 2010. This itself isn't my no 1. concern, any country can have 4 % of the population voting for idiots. A whole lot more than 4 % of any country is going to consist of angry young people who blame everything on something ells, these people never finding peace=growing up to narrow minded bigots still blaming everything on something/someone ells as well as scared/afraid persons. No, what's making me write this is the tone of the debate coming from "ordinary" politicians and citizens.

People are afraid of Muslims and their mosques, about spicy Asian food/middle eastern food taking over the Swedish kitchen (what kitchen?) and cultures blending. But isn't that progress, development and in the end a thriving society? Is it morally right to refuse certain cultural things? Of course! E.g. genital mutilation. It's not wrong, or inconsistent for that matter, to refuse things that are forced over people. But you don't have to eat the Turkish fallafell, or attend a mosque, that's totally up to you.

Then the narrow minded bigots explain how we have to take care of our own before we take in a "new people". We, aka the government= tax money, shouldn't take care of anything. Anyone who wants and need to go to whatever country should be able to, as long as they're ready to work for themselves (I'm not referring to refugees now, obviously). Then the narrow minded bigot curtly explains how they steal jobs from swedes who deserve jobs. I'm sorry? Swede's who deserve them? Isn't the most qualified person suppose to get the job? Swede/European, middle eastern or African?

SIGH SIGH SIGH

David Guetta:-)!

2009-11-19T14:46:00.002-05:00

Hello dear readers!

To start off this post: I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog as I should have. It wont happen again, hopefully;-)

And now to the point, the absolutely awesome point, David Guetta @ opera! The beat was top notch, David was top notch and the night with Robert was completely perfect. I don't have much to say about the people at Opera, the organization lacked everything it possible could. But fortunately was the music and the company more than enough for the perfect night. We shook it until the last song was played, and we had a lot of fun. I wonder what other people who was there thought?

It's so fun how I can tell if someone is Swedish, down to the adopted guy from India:-) As we were walking to the exit yesterday I saw this guy. And the same second as I saw him, I thought Swede. He was tall, probably 6.3 feet, wearing a blazer with tight European/Swedish pants and the mandatory handkerchief matching the tie. And when I saw to guys approaching him with the same outfit, though not as Swedish faces, I started to talk to them. It turned out we were all from Stockholm, had mutual friends and all loved Guetta! Oh what a small world

24/7 diner in Atlanta!

2009-11-18T00:34:00.005-05:00

I don't know if any of you recall, but a few weeks ago I asked about late night places in Atl. The respond was modest, one comment (but thank you!) about this crazy place daring all rules by having open until 11 pm. And after seeing nothing but waffle house and not a single walk to place after weeks of search I was ready to admit defeat... But a cold, I want a coffee and sandwich now, night three days ago I found it. An oasis in the midtown jungle of closing early; The European diner.

It's located opposite the federal reserve, next to the midtown hotel. With it's neon lights, and obviously not the hippest interior nor exterior designer in Atlanta, it's quaint and charming. I have never seen such a perfect 24/7 (YES, 24 hours a day) place before. It's ideal for either a last drink of the night, drunk food or coffee after 00 am. Is the service the most rapid in Atl, the dishes the tastiest or the venue to die for?: No. But who ever desire those th

ings from their late night dinner might as well take the car to cafe Intermezzo. When you're looking for late drinks, karaoke or late coffee (preferably weekdays) it's a perfect touchdown. ;-)

Pro's:

the venue is BIG; outside, inside, smoking and nonsmoking. (Yes... you can smoke with your coffee or drink:-)
is it nessecary to mention again? 24/7
Alcohol - coffee - breakfast - sandwiches etc. (But once again, I would strongly suggest this place to be a 7 pm to 6 am place, don't try to make it fancier then it is)
If you live or party in midtown you can walk to it!
I like the music. Rather loud but that's mainly on weekends. It's mostly "new classics" mixed with Atl T.I. :-)

Neighborhood: Midtown
112 10th Street
Atlanta, GA 30309
(404) 228-7401

Life's bitter taste

2009-11-13T20:18:00.002-05:00

Do you ever feel like there's "just one thing" that stop you from doing something? E.g. When I get myself a calender I will be able to sort out this cloudy planing or when I get a computer, I will truly be able to study. And even though all those thoughts bear some truth I think people got to be careful to put to much emphasis on the next, soon to be, scenario. Before you realize it the next step has become to big to take and you're not able to enter your new scenario.

The reason why I'm self proclaiming myself as "the voice of reason" is that I've been in that situation so many times, but a while ago I decided to never be there again. It's very hard to break such a pattern, but It's going rather well for me. You just have to keep very focused and not try to swallow bigger bites then you can. I don't mean that you shouldn't go after the best bites of whatever favorite dish you my have, but be sure that the bit is the perfect quantity as well as quality.
At least you have a nose to smell the pretty flowers with!

GG

2009-11-13T03:44:00.006-05:00

I try, I really do, but I'm just not able not to find inspiration in Gossip Girl. I know that the whole preppy but chic is rather 2008, or 07, but I find it so gorgeous! I just love the accessories, the shoes and the dressy sessy hit the town creations. And even though the show is quite ridiculous I can't stop watching since watching means having at least two cravings for "what to wears". I've been trying to adjust to this falls wind, but I think I just have to try get away with "she got her own style" rather than "Isn't that a little last year". I also try to adjust the preppy chic more in line with classy and timeless ;-)

What to do?

2009-11-11T17:35:00.005-05:00

Wow, it's raining, again. I know it's snowing and colder in Sweden right now, but the weather here doesn't feel any better due to that. But there is good things with bad weather too (trust me I should know this!). :-) Therefor I'm proud to present the Swedish "good things come out of bad weather" guide:

1.You get time to spend your leisure on thing's you normally "don't have time for". Instead of shopping (I never want to shop when it's raining and I'm feeling kind of yucky), walking (walking+rain...?) or whatever you don't feel like doing, get artsy and go to a museum! I myself am going to check out the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition at the High museum in Atlanta. You get on your high heels, red lipstick and best nodding face and have fun with the art experience. And due to all the art genres ranging from Renaissance to modern, you should be able to find something you'll really like!

2. Even though you at first feel like putting a blanket over your head and hit the sack, resist. Wine nights with friends might be mostly associated with spring and summer nights, they do work excellent with rainy ones too! So get a couple of friends, pull out some wine and chat chat chat:-) Preferable that friend who's fun in a cynical way, goes great with those dark rainy nights.

3. It doesn't matter, you want that blanket and no art or wine in the world can change that. Well then, get your self to blockbusters, netflix or your downloading program and get a movie. Pop some popcorn, get at least 2 blankets and cosy up. Those nights are well needed and sought after, every now and then. =)

Mac web cam

2009-11-10T11:39:00.004-05:00

I'm not the kind of person who comfortably take pictures of myself, or show my smile out in public, without getting ready first. But I really wanted to try the mac web cam in the morning/and foggy light. It sucks. But what to expect of a webcam? Now it's time to study my beloved psychology. :)

Karl XII

2009-11-10T10:01:00.002-05:00

I just found this painting on a blog... It's one of my favorite paintings of all time. It's so beautifully executed, can't really tell from this picture though (the original is a big piece). It's showing an old king of Sweden, Karl XII, when his body was carried home form Norway. All the things the painting express, with the hunter and his son showing their respect, the killed Pheasant on his back, some details on the soldiers (details you can't see); And the colors, the wind and the Swedish winter. It's just marvelous!

:-) It hangs on "Nationalmuseumet" in Stockholm.

Names :-)

2009-11-10T08:36:00.004-05:00

We're waiting for the tropical storm Ida to blast over Atl today. I heard them taking on the morning news how Ida is such a grandmothers name; That's because it's an old Swedish name, probably associated with grandmothers due to the heavy early 1900s emigration from Sweden:-) It was brought to England by the Normans (old Vikings) and then integrated to more European countries. But it continued to be most common in the Scandinavian countries.

Names are something that's always intrigued me, especially since I came here. Do you all know that names as Tiffany, Madison, Ashley (as female), Brooke and Betty are essentially only found in the US? Of course Betty origin from Elisabeth and Ashly is an old English male name, but as I wrote them here, almost only found here.

I've got the list over the 10 most popular baby names from the early 1900s/2000s. Note how the first list is all in their original European form? Especially boys names are very old English, while the female ones are English/Italian/German. And note how it's very popular to give baby boys biblical names in the USA today? And the 1900s name with an x was in the top 10 most popular UK names 1800-1900s :-)

1.	John x Jacob	1.	Mary x Emily
2.	William x Micheal	2.	Helen Emma
3.	James x Joshua	3.	Margaret x Madison
4.	Joseph x Matthew	4.	Ruth Abigail
5.	George x Ethan	5.	Anna Olivia
6.	Charles x Andrew	6.	Elizabeth x Isabella
7.	Robert x Daniel	7.	Dorothy x Hannah
8.	Frank Anthony	8.	Marie Samantha
9.	Henry x Christopher	9.	Alice x Ava
10.	Edward Joseph	10.	Florence x Ashley

Home Sweet Home

2009-11-06T03:14:00.003-05:00

I was searching for inspiration earlier today and took a moment to reflect. I thought of my no. 1 source of inspiration, my friends; I thought of Bella, she has the biggest blog in Sweden and is an awesome entrepreneur, then I thought of Emelie, in Paris. Then I came to think of a friend of mine from high school, Linnea. She's the lead singer of a band called "Those dancing days". She's absolutely awesome, she managed school great as she pursued her dream to become a musician. I love love her voice, it's so damn good. I just found a song I haven't heard of them yet: Home sweet Home. It's FAB

One of my favorites is also DiscHoe:-) It's great, I'll bet you'll like it:-)

Xxx Alex

Quotes

2009-11-04T00:54:00.005-05:00

I'm going to be up for quite some time:-) Stumbled over some quotes though, what do you think?

"Peace isn't the absence of war but the presence of justice" - Harrison Ford

"The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who's going to stop me." - Ayn Rand

"It is dangerous to be right when the government is wrong." – Voltaire

I know it's kind of lame to put quotes on a blog, but I really like these. And isn't it a interesting crowd? An actor, an author and a french philosopher?

psychology night

2009-11-04T00:00:00.002-05:00

It's about 12 am in Atlanta, and I'm studding. Even though it's not the most enjoyable task in the world, it's kind of cosy: I'm sitting here with some coffee, I do like coffee, and my big book in front of me trying to decide what's worth remembering and what's not. It's amazing how much non information a 1200 page book can hold.

As always when I study (or more specific, while I do anything that's totally mixed with unnecessary information) I every now and then get distracted and space of in the "cyberworld". By now I've read wsj about ten times, all blogs I somewhat like about three.

And I just realized something, I need a cafe open late (like after 11 pm). Do anyone know of such a place?

November 3rd

2009-11-03T14:57:00.009-05:00

It's getting really cold in Stockholm, snow is soon to fall. And I'm sitting on the balcony, in avery cute sailing inspired outfit, tanning with a book called psychology in my lap. Yes the weather is awesome. Yes I think Atlanta is awesome. But I really miss my dear family and dear friends. I'm thinking about what I would be doing with them right now, perhaps drinking wine and shaking it on the dance floor? :-) Perhaps with my lovely lovely Allegra and Katrin in England or having a/5 glasses of wine with Emelie in Paris? Or just walking to H&M with Annika or Mikeal?

And even though there's wine and shaking here to, it's not the same. It's not better back in Europe, it's just different. And every girl over the Atlantic needs some reminiscing every now and then.

Atlanta Pride!

2009-11-02T20:27:00.012-05:00

Hello all fabulous readers!

I had a great great day yesterday, since it as the Atlanta pride parade day! Even though the parade itself differed quite a bit from the one in Sweden; a lot more companies were in it, it wasn't as decadent and way less music. But the core was the same: Love, love & love!

And I have to say that the celebration afterwards was a lot better! They had set up a stage in Piedmont park, thousands of people where dancing, drinking and just having fun. While in Sweden its more exclusive, you better have that blue pass to enter the "right" festive area. Isn't that kind of an odd celebration party set up for pride?

I meet some absolutely awesome people, and I'm so thankful for being there yesterday! And it kicked ass to drink pride coloured drinks and dance to MJ/+old great hits all night!

I'm going to organize my own part of the train next year; Scandinavian people who loves pride! And I want at least a 100 people in it!

Halloween bummer:-(

2009-11-01T00:15:00.003-04:00

Thanks for all the great tips, I got ideas for years ahead:-) Halloween is a really fun night, a great American holiday! I choose to be minnie mouse, :-) But I'm so bumped out right now, because I missed the party. It really sucks! But what is one suppose to do when the flue knocks on the door? But again, it suck suck suck. At least I can spend my time to study some.

Happy Halloween everyone, I hope you all have a great Halloween night!:)

David Guetta to Atlanta!

2009-10-29T21:22:00.004-04:00

I'm so excited! David Guetta, the house DJ behind "love is Gone", is coming to Atlanta! If you want to shake it to the best dance music there is, you got to catch this concert. And for me it's not just great dance music, it's also a quite nostalgic memory! I was in Geneva, Switzerland, two years ago. I was there with the best crowed of people there is, working with the UN for a school project. I miss my dear Colleague, Elin; we conquered the UN in ways yet to be known;-) And I miss my no 1. party friends, Amanda and Amelie. Oh dear memories

However, the venue is a bar/club called Opera, never been there before but I'm sure it will be awesome. The only thing I need is a hot outfit, 4 inch killer heels and someone to shake it with!

What do you think about his new feat Kelly Rowland; Don't you feel the dance vibes?

Halloween

2009-10-26T17:08:00.004-04:00

Can someone help me with Halloween costume i

deas? I am the WORST person, ever to step foot on this earth, when it comes to finding fun Halloween ideas (or costume ideas in generally). My two earlier experiences:

1. a party with the team double trouble.

I was so swamped in work so I forgot all about it. When I the same day as the party felt the "last minute panic" I had two meetings and no time

nor a partner. I just decided to be Bonnie (in Bonnie and Clyde). Thanks to a higher power Hannes showed up later that night in a suite and I kind of forced Clyde on him. :) Is there photos? Yes. Can I show them? No.

2. Team cartoon

Again, swamped with work and other things. I got a dress with tropical flowers and said I was the background in the jungle book. Wow.

I need help!

Yep, this was the "jungle book" dress.

Runway Atlanta

2009-10-26T14:09:00.003-04:00

My! My! My! Couture fashions and Oh! My! accessories

I just got to tell you all about my no. 1 favorite boutique in Atlanta: Runway Atlanta! It's filled with absolutely gorgeous New & Vintage Designs, everything from the to die for handbag to those earrings you can't live without. The stores owner is a former Teacher/designer who decided bad economy or not; I'm going to chase my dream. And the dream turned out to be wonderful to wear. And the woman in charge of marketing is the most charming, PR vibe, person I met in a long time (No offense Prime/Sund)! I strongly suggest that all Atlanta based persons take an outfit in need of jewelry down to the store and pimp it up. If you like glitter/sparkling/shiny, they got it. If you prefer vintage/retro with a touche of classy, they got it.

And not to mention the atmosphere in the store(I can't stress their hospitality enough). You can go there for inspiration and a good conversation, and feel totally comfortable and rather amused. Oh not to mention, the prices are really good! So if you need a gorgeous vintage dress or just those top notch jewelries (whatever your taste is, they got it) you now got a place to go to in midtown; Hurrah we have them in the neighbourhood!

"Never attend a social affair in this year's off the rack, shopping mall designs"

900 peachtree st. Atlanta, GA & 4045493302

Church, baptist church... Hallelujah!

2009-10-24T10:56:00.005-04:00

Yesterday I went to my first baptist, African American, church thing ever. And I just got to say, those people got soul! It was signing, clapping and Hallelujah all the way. And for a little protestant-Lutheran girl as myself a minor chock. But even though I was half petrified half delighted I admired what they we're doing a 100 %. They make it real for people to believe and have faith in God, somehow I feel like those people create the sense of "Christ" for each other. So even if I don't really feel comfortable with clapping my hands and shouting out Hallelujah, I hurrah the ones who do! I should also add what an amazing crowd of people they all seemed to be, just all so cheerful, positive and sweet.

Starbucks to Sweden!

2009-10-22T13:33:00.003-04:00

All you non Swedish readers must understand how big this is! Swedes, who loves coffee on the go, have been dreaming that the hip chain would open its doors on Swedish ground since it was first featured in an US movie/ first time we saw Kate Moss hold her nonfat coffee in some magazine. We've been forced to settle with 7/eleven for years. I know it's just Arlanda, but trust me, it's a first step.

http://www.thelocal.se/22790/20091021/

Mall, Mall & Mall

2009-10-22T10:45:00.007-04:00

Something very different between the US and Sweden (but also most of Europe) is the whole mall thing. In Europe you stroll down the street, look in a store, stroll some more, visit another store and so forth. Here you, preferably, take the car to a mall and there you go. I can see some early development to a more combined city planing (like Barcelona) but it's slow. So in the meantime, I'm exploring malls.

It's kind of a tricky business, because one might have one store you like but not the other one. And it's rather annoying too since there's no metro to jump on to transport you "rapidement". So you just have to decide what mood you're in!;

When you feel for a pair of RayBan's or a killer purse, Lenox Mall is the shit. With a really trendy clientele (Atl style, of course) it resemble Champs-Élysées, Rodeo drive and Birger jarlsgatan. It's hot, but sometimes hotter then you feel like...

.... so when you want a H&M and latte day, it's a 100 % Atlantic station time. This is definitely my favorite since it's build totally European with American greatness; it's outdoors, have some kind of semi European architecture and stores like H&M, Anne Taylor+ AT loft, Abercrombie and Fitch etc. But they're also slightly selective in stores...

... so when you want the regular, cheap, accessories you don't mind losing and that shirt you expect last one Halloween, Forever XXI's the winner. But due to low low prices (and to much clothes + to much hideous cloths a la aksara) it's located at "out of the way" malls and I haven't found a favorite place for the store quite jet (but I'm working on it).

There you have an Atlanta shopping update to read;)

Atlantic station, the H&M store

Piedmont park

2009-10-20T09:40:00.004-04:00

Atlanta's biggest park is called Piedmont park, located in midtown. It's a great park, which definitely embody that park/city feeling with great picnic spots and great running areas. It's just a really cool place to have nearby and I love it!

Before I encountered Piedmont park (and Robert as my personal, rather over the top but still perfect, coach) I hated running outdoors. My only association to it was soccer practice "near to death" experiences (run 10 miles in front of us, now!). So I preferred cardiorooms, with no one ells in there, a machine counting every meter and every kcal. I just couldn't stand the concept of running outdoors, with all lot of more fit frequent runners and without the control of knowing everything.

My first run in Piedmont park totally changed me.

They have a round area in the park measuring a half mile (800 m). So you can run there and still keep track of how fare you run and how fast. You can have goals to reach and break, nature is all around you, you can see the city... it's perfect.

Is there way more fit persons then I there? Certainly. Is it rather uncomfortable with the whole "running outdoors thing"? Absolutely. But it's also a really cool feeling, with no comparison with running in a cardioroom. So even if you live in upstate NY or Sweden (where it's even colder than here); Go and find some kick ass park or nature to pump it up in!

Isn't it beautiful?

Balloon boy & groceries

2009-10-19T10:33:00.008-04:00

I guess you all heard about the balloon boy by now. If not, please update yourself with some ridiculous human behaviour. It's so ridiculous what some people do to get attention, or the 15 minutes of fame we all feel so entitle too. The parents possible faces million dollars in different ticket's and compensation to the fed; Wow.... Good job balloon boys father!

It's now time for some grocery shopping (not the most precious kind of shopping). I've found some stores I really like here, Kruger and Publix. My favorite Kruger in Atl got the biggest wine selection of all Krugers in the states, :-); oh dear Wine fog"!

Georgia Bulldogs & third eye blind

2009-10-18T06:32:00.000-04:00

I Love team sports. I do. It's almost intoxicating, like the smell of brownies to the person reaching day no. 3 of dieting or the apparition of a cosmopolitan for the guy trying on his 2nd "dry week".

It's just such a winning concept; a bunch of people competing for victory, where you have 1)Amazing performances by people 2)screw ups (you get to be angry) and 3) a judge who's always biased for the other team. On top of that, it's proceeded by "tailgating" here in the states. When a bunch of people (by bunch I mean thousands) get together to grill food and drink beer. If that's not to like, what is?
So I was super excited yesterday, since it was Saturday college football time. And this time my bulldogs didn't disappoint me (nor the referee), we beat Vanderbilt with over 20 points. Yey!

The rest of the Saturday wasn't to exciting, but we did go to a concert with Third eye blind. Isn't that so nostalgic? (At least for anyone hanging around school discos around 1999)?

Go bulldogs!:-)

Too bad you can't see my cute georgia outfit:-)

It's raining. Again

2009-10-15T09:04:00.000-04:00

Yepp... it's wet in Atl again. I didn't think it would rain anything more, but the rain is indeed coming. Just opposite our window is the Bank of America skyscraper (highest building in the country if not counting the city of New York and Chicago), and the fog is so thick that we can't see it. Crazy

Wow I'm actually taking about the weather, in a blog post. I guess it's true hat they say; "You can take the girl out of Sweden but not Sweden out of the girl".

Ching a ling

Coffee, Cigarettes & Cinnamon-bread

2009-10-14T07:03:00.000-04:00

CCC- Coffee, Cigarettes & Cinnamon

That's the answer to bad planning!
:-)

A love story; IKEA

2009-10-13T23:10:00.000-04:00

IKEA... What a reliever of the occasionally nagging homesickness as well as a forever reliable friend, always there to put an end to cravings like Swedish meatballs, Marabou and elderflower juice.

It's a 4story heaven for all swedes abroad, there to give you only what's best of the country you miss. To relieve your homesickness like Tylenol relieves headache but also leave you with a little Why. Why is it all so far away.

Of course, if we would be given a fare dose of everything that's truly Swedish (like monopoly on alcohol including no Sunday sales and absurd prices, no real sun during 6 months, far over 60 % taxes) the feeling wouldn't be the same. But I salute you, Ingvar Kamprad, for creating such a wonderful little Swedish oasis as IKEA. We all need it

but I have to make a small input though... I was there during crawfish season(It's usually called crawfish down south and crayfish up north). When I first saw the traditional Swedish crawfish decorations my heartbeat rose, my mind went to some memory first a year ago then further back. I was almost reaching a stadium of pure happiness when I took the package of crawfish's in my hands. Then I looked down: country of origin, China. Wow. Disappointing.

прощай!

And now it's psychology/philosophy time again

2009-10-12T18:07:00.000-04:00

Indeed it is. I have a big paper coming up in philosophy and a big exam in psychology. These times always make me envious. Envious of all those "I always do everything on time" persons. The ones who are miraculously good at always keeping an even balance between schoolwork and the never ending thing called time. Sometimes it feels like they keep a forever hidden secret from us normal people. But I shall not complain, only take on the enormous task I brought upon myself, and do so with pleasure. Or something like that

It's time to go, I have more fun stuff to do; sorting my clothes. I definitely need to say goodbye to some old rags, those dresses you really love but, unfortunately, whose prime was in 2007. I hate those goodbyes, so emotional. :)

Bise!

Obama peace (?)

2009-10-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry I lost track of the whole update part of blogging; but that's the hard part, isn't it? I understand if people who blog substantially more than I do have the more journal based relationship with their blogs. I'm just a girl trying to write one or two chic posts about my life over the Atlantic. Please regard it more as the letters from Amerika, in a 21st century form:)

Speaking about the US, the new talked about topic (around people who read newspapers and at least occasionally watch the news) is "Obama peace prize". I knew that prize was nothing but a joke a long time ago, with recipients like Yassir Arafat, Anwal al Sadat and Al Gore. But when President Obama gets it, soley because he's an elected black president from the democratic party whom happened to have a really good political campaign, "Change", the Nobel prize committee actually exceed my very high expectations of bs. It's like they're admitting to themselves just how much of a joke the prize is. In the past people actually had to do something to get it, now they just have to be from minority groups, reaching high political offices and left. Ravishing.

Or as a talkshow host put it "President Obama said the Nobel peace prize was a call for action... Just to remind the president, so was the election". Even though I believe we're better of with less action.

Oh well, what can one expect from Norwegians? :-)

Smoothie King

2009-10-08T16:30:00.000-04:00

I have a new lunch favorite: Smoothie King! (like the title didn't give that away:))

It's just really tasty and secretly nutritious (don't you just love that combo?). Like my favorite, Pineapple pleasure. It's rich of fiber and fat free plus it taste like.. all other smoothies should bow down. :)

I have some reading to do now, whatever you may think, psychology never sleeps.

It's time to get funky funky funky

2009-10-05T20:19:00.000-04:00

Funky fally :)

I'm so excited about this years fall fashion! This coming weekend is going to be my "fall it up, clothes" weekend. I'm going to get plumb, wine red and forest green nail polish, a big poncho, fitting purse and make it all kind of English country side fashion inspired metallic/Bohemian. Is it going to be easy, no. Am I going to be able to pull it off? Most likely :)

And once again I have to say I'm fallowing my dear Emelies blog all the time, my Swedish friend in Paris, since it's fashion week there and she's invited!:)

bise!

Pool shark

2009-10-04T20:26:00.000-04:00

Yes indeed, pool shark. That's my new occupation. Or not so much pool shark as trying to become a real pool player. One could think a pool table, pool stick and the balls would be enough, but it's surprising how hard it is to go beyond the level of not bad. I can aim and make both easy and rather tricky balls but I'm horrible inconsistent and sometimes I like miss the white ball. That's right, the white ball.

But I'm working on it and I'm going to be great. I hope =)

ta ta

Roberts birthday

2009-10-03T05:59:00.000-04:00

It's my sweeties birthday!

It's so exciting with birthdays, I just can't restrict my planning nor choring: It's all so fun. I'm soon to wake him up with a freshly baked chocolate cake, his favorite, with candles spelling happy birthday (yes one could say lame, but I prefer cute:) + a really sexy pattern of chocolate and white creme cheese over the whole cake. It's so classy, I know it might sound to much, but it's not:) I have to say Thank you Amanda, I kind of copied your cheesecake garnishing:-)

Then I have this thing I like to do, in the morning: give a couple of small presents. Things you enjoy to do, so your day become a bit more awesome.

I can't reveal more plans, but I'll update later!

xx Alex

Halloween

2009-09-30T22:35:00.000-04:00

It's so exciting, Halloween is around the corner!

You see, we don't celebrate Halloween in Sweden. Or you could argue that we do, but only if you define celebrate by young teenagers to young adults who sometimes, sometimes, dress up and get drunk. I don't think you can compare the sad and rather lame Halloween celebrating there with the US. =)

I'm going to get so much candy to give to kids who knock on the door, dress up like a which with a pumpkin:)! And then hopefully have a Halloween party to go to!

I'm so excited! The reason of this Halloween outburst is all the decorations that just got up in stores etc.

xx Alex

Philosophy

2009-09-28T05:49:00.001-04:00

The psychology paper turned out really good, I'm certain that the level was higher than they expected, so all good. But it was really absurd what happened, this group of animal filmmakers had a meeting in the room where I was typing. So as I was typing and thinking as fast as I could to tie the last knots, they had all these dogs here. Apparently some residence have her trophy dogs featured in this new, hot, dog movie. Amusing, dog movie...

Something that's been on my mind lately is how I over think things and on top of that expect other people to follow my thought process. I'm trying to find the right words, really get my message through, and it just fails when the receiving person don't understands what I want to say. If the communication happens to be emails I'm so doomed it takes me a few hours to pull myself together to read the response. There are a few friends of mine that are concerned at the moment. Just so you know; I want to answer, I just haven't been able to read your response back since I'm so worried of how you might misinterpreted what I wrote!

Time for some more philosophy. I obviously shouldn't be doing any kind of communication at the moment, including blog posts.

No sleep no sweep(ing away)

2009-09-27T07:05:00.000-04:00

The sleep deprivation I'm putting myself through is starting to affect my ability to form comprehensible sentences (as you can see for yourself on the title). Or I'm just a bad bad rhymer, however, I'm reading och studding and everything feels rather good about my two deadlines (today at 06.00 pm ET and tomorrow 6 pm ET). I still have a lot of work to do, but my mind and devotion to the subjects put me at ease. Or the panic of not reaching my goal. Either way, my shaking coffee hands and dilated pupils won't be mistaken for some kind of prescription drug use for much longer, and I won't have to site next to the guy who answer the question "how're you doing" with "If I was any better I would be twins" as he mutters "whatever", "oookay" and "Duduuduu" loud enough to totally disturb me as he at the same time seems to want some kind of acknowledgment. Which very well might happen since I'm about one "duduuduu" to ask him to please keep the singing inside the head.

This turned out to be a very spicy post:) I'll be happier in a day

bise mon cheries!

My dear friend, Paris

2009-09-26T19:53:00.000-04:00

I miss Paris so bad. I can't find the right words to properly describe how much I miss it. It's just the people, the french mentality, the architecture: All this creates the best atmosphere one could ever dream about. My dear friend Emelie is living the Parisian dream (she writes this totally chic blog, http://klassons.blogspot.com/) with fashion, french people and wine. She keeps posting all these gorgeous photos, and when her french is reaching the classification of "fluent" mine is deteriorating.

Oh well, Paris, you're in my dreams

Photographs

2009-09-25T08:49:00.000-04:00

I was looking at my friend Catinca Hanganu's photographs on Facebook, and it reminded me of how much I love photographs, when executed as beautifully as she's able to do. It's just fascinating how much can be captured in a picture if you have the right touche for it. I wish she had a website with her photos so I could show you.

It's extraordinary all the talent's people have, how divers people are and how beautiful life is.

And I love to live, I really do. I love to achieve, to experience different things, to taste the flavours of life. I love to meet people who make me feel even more in love with life and to whom I, because I have something to contribute as well, are worthy as a friends. And if I wasn't prepared for a bumpy ride I wouldn't be able to state all the things I just stated.

Time for some more studding now, :)

psychology psychology

2009-09-24T23:26:00.001-04:00

Yepp, that's the only thing I have time for right now. I got the most important book delivered three weeks to late, so the situation seems to be rather... impossible. So many pages left, so little time and on top of everything I feel a bit cheated, someone could had informed me that psychology meant biology/chemistry. Sigh sigh sigh. But I've decided to score top score on both the psychology and the philosophy papers, due Monday, so less apology and more psychology

I talked to Anki today, sweet conversation. She's the most wonderful person I know, so strong, clever and beautiful. Miss her:)

Time to enter the world of correlation between environment and genetics. Ravishing reading, to be honest.
A

Political update, from inside the den

2009-09-23T16:33:00.000-04:00

I feel obliged to keep you posted on the political condition this country is in right now. Frankly, I'm very worried. Not by some legislation passed or one or two stupid bills, but by the mentality I feel from the average people. And I'm in Georgia.

People believe they are entitled to a certain living standard, because they are citizen of this country, and this should be provided to them by others. They talk about the European dream (which coincidentally is the title of a widely popular book used in the political science classes) where people are truly free, free from the burden of achievement and success but still allowed to do so if it pleases. They get free health care, education, good social security etc. And in Europe the ones who are more fortunate pay what they are supposed to back to the government a.k.a the people.

They usually don't have any thoughts of how this demolish ethics or that it's actually rather unfair that people who works 200 hours+++ a month pay for 1)other people, who lives comfortably by just working halftime or not at all 2)politicians, who take their money which then gives them the power to impose their believes and norms back on the people who's paying. The subject is not even touched in this post but I just wanted to mention a small, small fraction of way this is unfair and wrong.

I don't know if it's ignorance and lack of education that makes these thoughts win ground or if it's just the widely acknowledge European presumption that people are entitled to things from other humans because they are lesser off (in symbiosis with the thought that it's alright to steal from people as long as it's the government doing the stealing) that's winning ground.

The founders of this great country opposed the state as it consisted in Europe, as it was known to man, and created a nation were people were suppose to restrain the government for the sake of their own freedom. Unfortunately it's not just the very looting politicians (who lives of taken money and (most do) writes laws to restrict people) it's people, humans, who give this system the right to excist. The dream behind the United states was doomed to one day fall apart because of the very creation of the federal government and later the allowance of FDR (and political construction in between) but to most freedom loving people it's coming to soon, and the only chance to change the future is to drastically stop now.

Once Thomas Jefferson said

"To live under the American constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race"

To bad we're on the critical line were we soon have to use past tense.

touchdown Georgia!

2009-09-22T15:19:00.000-04:00

University of Georgia has now won the last two games and the new quarterback Joe Cox seems to have a bit more capability then the average Joe (it all depends if Joe will learn to only pass his own team or not, something Joe have had a little problem with in the past).

Unfortunately isn't it as much touchdown Georgia as it is Flooding Georgia. Yes indeed, ATL is flooded. And not"flooded" as it would be in Sweden, no we're taking hard core Atlantis over here. Interstates has been under 1 meter + in water, houses has been washed away, schools are closed and lives has been compromised. We've had thunderstorms I didn't know was possible; it's just been crazy. But now the sun is shining again and I'm consider to get some tanning done. :)

Unfortunately for the tanning plans, I've been a lazy girl and got away too much reading left to do. So I'm sitting here with Freud, Starbucks and a rather fast Internet connection. Life isn't that bad after all

TTYL ;)

It's raining cats & dogs

2009-09-16T08:06:00.000-04:00

It most certainly is, and has been doing so for the last few days. I'm always miserable when I have to look into the sky, utter the words "Why?" and feel jet another raindrop on my nose. But what to do then hold your Starbucks tight and your umbrella even tighter? :)

Since I last posted have several good things happened (Or I've created them): I've continued working out in the wonderful gym, caught up some with schoolwork and over consumed coffee. Don't you just love the whole coffee-job-working out cycle? I know I do

Well, I got to finish some schoolwork and then hit the cargo;)

Have a sunny day!

Saturday

2009-09-12T16:47:00.000-04:00

It's been a fairly sedate Saturday. Went to the gym in my building at 5.30 am (I know!), which btw is absolutely awesome, watched a law and order episode and read Vanity fair while I was burning bad ass calories;) The gym is seriously gorgeous and I'll post photo's when I've got my computer.

The Vanity fair was a rather bad experience though. They had 4 articles pro Obama/smashing republicans. Not even in those matters where it would be rather impartial to do so! I'm sorry but I've decided on not reading you anymore, fair Vanity fair. I'm sorry, it's just not working ;)

And now to the problem of the day, as mention before, new computer. I'm going to get a new computer but can't decide which! I'm thorn between the Mac book pro and a Sony VAIO (haven't decided which jet). I just can't decide. I'm not sure that Mac is everything I want but what if it is...!

Well time to do some work,

chat cha

North Georgia

2009-09-10T22:30:00.000-04:00

We're back. Lasted 36 hours, could had been worse. :)

It really was a good time, but after the horses, the boat and seeing the mountains there wasn't that much left to do.

I had my own little excursion, ended up with me following signs with arrows saying "the beach". Unfortunately was it all a bad flashback to when I was following arrows in Venice for the San Marco piazza (it turned out to be some Italian boy who thought it was hilarious to fool not that clever tourists). I reached a sign saying RV path (I was tired, thought it said river path) and before I knew it was I alone in a mobile home park, aka trailer trash. The memory of the movie the deliverance was a way too fresh to stick around.

It was a neat little get away though, truly beautiful landscaping. BUT I'm back in ATL ready for some Starbucks, 26 store views and the new Absolut taste, Boston (elderflower, does it get any better?).

Au chante,

Alex

Times fly

2009-09-08T18:22:00.000-04:00

Hello sweeties!

I don't have much time, but I just had this urge to write a post. Isn't that awesome, an urge to write a blog post! haha

Well, Rob and I leave for North Georgia in a few minutes, it got totally delayed. We've had the cabin since Thursday, but things just kept getting in the way. But now, finally, are we leaving. I'm so excited.

I just want to tell y'all (I know, y'all.. that's so neat) that my sister might coming to visit in late October. She's my precious, not quite as in lord of the rings though, and I really hope everything works out. If it really works out, my brother can come too. That would be... top notch;)

Well, all you pecan pies out there, it's time for me to get back on the horse and rid to some southern living! North Georgia, here I come (So be ready with the chicken fry!.)

Stress stress stress

2009-09-07T13:09:00.000-04:00

I've had the worst morning in quite some time!

In order for me to keep renting out my apartment I had to send some paper work to the board of my apartments association. But, as all you well educated know, it's labour day weekend here! I had to get in touche with people for signatures, paperwork etc. And as all you fabulous people also know, I live in Georgia... There are some rather remote places over here. So after a battle I almost admitted defeat in, I'm finally done! I'm unfortunately a horrible "stressed out" person, so I'm going to make some pasta Alfredo/tiger shrimps to Robert as a thank you.

If only!

Sunday night

2009-09-06T21:38:00.000-04:00

All my friends in wide world

It's interesting how friends end up in different places. Even if it's all temporary, but isn't life itself always moving? I just found out that a good friend of mine from Norway (Lise Weltzien) moved to NYC. She's s a great person, one of does you now will reach the beyond sky. Then I think about brave Emelie, who all alone moved to Paris and my friend Nelly who moved to Paris as well but with her french darling:) I think of Elin who worked in NYC all summer and of myself and my life in Atlanta. Free as birds, huh?

That's what happens to you when you take philosophy, beware:) haha

Since my last post, yes that's my time frame (my last post), I've been thinking about friends, and realized, again, how much I miss you all. But I also realized how much I enjoy the company of some new friends here and what you all mean to me.

Okay... I think it's time to make some home baked Belgium waffles! We have an absolutely awesome waffle iron from Calphalon, makes them perfect, No Peek!

Let's start this up

2009-09-06T15:50:00.000-04:00

Hi Sweeties!

I think it's time to really bring this blog to life. I'm aware that I haven't used it at all, but you see, I've helped Robert move in to a new apartment.

The place is absolutely gorgeous It's on the 26Th floor of a great condominium. The gym is awesome, the pool as well and the cherry floors are to die for. And in addition to all that, I love midtown. It's my favorite part of Atl, with a real city feeling. And it's literally 20 seconds from the nearest Starbucks:)

I can't wait for friends to come and visit, so if any of you are in Atlanta, please tell me!

Since it was my 20th birthday the other week, yes I'm no longer young, we're soon leaving for a little get away. I heard something about horse riding, but I'm not sure. I have a lot of studding to do, but as usually has the education system of Sweden failed me; It's extremely basic and it's enough for me to invest"" 1-2 hours more, then I'm done for the following week:)

xAlex

We're soon finished with the interior design ans furnishing. I'll post when we're all done

Another day

2009-08-02T16:37:00.000-04:00

Everyone out there, Hi!

I know one could think that my readers are to few to greet as "everyone", But I'll say, Think again;)

The day has been very, plain. I've done some cooking (I know some of you might think I'm laying about the cooking, but it's true), some reading and some thinking. The part where I thought was rather achy. I thought about many things, profound thoughts my friends, and concluded nothing. I've a tendency sometimes, to wallow in old thoughts but do nothing about the situation the thoughts origin from. I don't feel better because of that nor anyone ells. Well, today's wallowing reminded me of a very old song, "all good things".

I really wanted to take a walk today, but R wasn't in the mood for it. So when he's done with some little project or so we'll go to the store to get some groceries. I've made my own Thai recipe:

4 tbs oil (preferable peanut oil)
2 cloves of garlic
1 chopped red chili
1/2 green onion
500g chicken breast/ 500 g jumbo shrimp
3 dl cashew nuts
2 bell peppers (preferably different colours)
1 onion
1 dl oyster sauce
2 msk fish sauce
2 dl chicken broth (or shrimp) with 1 tsp of potato flour

Chop all the vegetables in a slim and long shape. Start woking the chicken then add the bell pepper, green pepper and the chili together with the garlic cloves that you squeeze. When you feel that it's as cooked as you wish it to be add the oyster sauce and the fish souse together with the broth/flour. Wook well, serve nicly and sprinkle the cashew after your own taste.

My own recipe! Let me tell you all tomorrow if it's tasty or not!

Au chante