Time for a change.

I exercise regularly now. I do BOSU twice a week, spinning 2-3 times and I dance lindy hop and tango at least once each, every week. Hopefully this will get me into decent shape soon. I also try to think about what I eat a bit more. Since the breakup, I haven't felt any need for candy or crisps which is a plus.

Bosu plus daily exercises at home while brushing my teeth or at work during a break, has improved my balance immensely in just a month. I recommend this to everyone, you feel like you have much more control over your body. Going to the gym today, wahey!

Yesterday I was more efficient than ever. Was certainly an improvement in my life, considering that I'm a pro when it comes to putting things off until the last minute. I was super efficient yesterday.

On a more personal level, I have worked very hard these past 7 months both in my private life and at work. I feel like I'm as ready as can be for new and exciting things. I know now what my weaknesses are, and I have the right tools to attack them, should they reappear. I feel stonger, happier, more independent, and above all, more confident than ever!

Me likes those!

My teachers in tango class, aren't they both gorgeous. I bet their forthcoming baby will be just as beautiful! Will miss Natalia though.

Should I buy these dance shoes? I loveeee those! Which ones are better?

Time to upgrade perhaps?

Since I dance a lot (am still very much a beginner, as you all know...) I am thinking of buying two pairs of dance shoes - maybe a pair of swing shoes and a pair of tango shoes.

Me wants the white ones in the middle of the photo. I reckon I can use them for beginner tango and lindy, as they have a suede sole. A suede or ideally, a leather sole is ideal, so you can slide around easily.

Chocolate - the ultimate indulgence.

I may not have mentioned the best thing about living in this area of town. I happen to live next to the famous chocolatier Les Trois Roses. Since I am a bit of a food nerd, I have read up on Jan Hedh, a chocolate extraordinaire from Malmö. He runs this business with a woman from Mexico. I went there to pick up four pieces of deliciousness today. Since I am working hard on improving my food habits of late, as I exercise regularly through dancing tango & lindy hop as well as go spinning and doing a lot of balance training - I figured these things would suit my perfect coffee from Italian mocca brewer superbly.

Mmmmmmm. Not Marabou.

Remember when? *licks a stamp*

Do you remember when we used to write letters by hand?
We used to keep a supply of stamps at home for them.
Do you remember when we had to post it in the yellow post box?
We then had to wait for a few days or weeks for a reply.
It was kind of magic, wasn't it?

I have started exchanging emails with a man called Tom (I've known a few Toms in my life...)in Washington D.C. It started by me really liking the video of him and Debra dancing boogie woogie. Now we are writing to each other almost like people used to in the old days, but attatching pictures of kids etc. Really really cool. He seems really nice and generous.

To refresh your memory (and I myself can't get enough of this song and the routine) - here's Tom and his dancing partner Debra again:

Black Cats Blues Lounge Cocktail Party

I was really putting myself in a silly position (quite literally) yesterday when I went blues dancing for the first time in Lund. The room was adjoining Mejeriet, and was painted black. Candles were lit, and people had brought their own booze to make cocktails. The athmosphere was fantastic. I had gone to a make up workshop before in the same room, but decided against doing anything with my hair since it's extremely short in places. Went to a pre-party at one of the dancer's house, and met some new people.

Got to dance alot yesterday which was fabulous. Started with Mårten, then Micke, Erik, Ola, Micke R, Anders B and another one whose name I've just forgotten. This dance provides a weird, really nice sort of intimacy which was sexy but yet very classy. An example here:

A clean apartment, ON A SATURDAY?

I had to tidy the apartment yesterday because Sara was coming. Why do we often need reasons to motivate us to do things? Isn't it enough reason that a dirty, dusty home is a health hazard? :) Apparently not. Not for me, anyway. I have once again, been the eternal time optimist and booked too many things to do. Had to cancel gym yesterday and today and even hairdresser's. So I only have to make sure now I'm ready to go to that makeover/styling course at 4 in Lund. It will teach us how to do old-fashioned make up and hair dos. I'm both excited and a bit nervous about this thing. Gah, the things I have to do to broaden my horizons. Me, red lipstick? Me, cocktail dress? Me, dancing the blues? Oh shit.... I'd better get out of those slacks, NOW.

Hectic weekend..

This weekend will be very hectic, but fun, hopefully. Will go to the gym with Sara, then come here for dinner and TV, just relaxing. Tomorrow I'm going to the gym, then hairdresser's, and then in the evening, I have decided to strut along to the Blues/cocktail party in Lund. It starts at 10 and ends at some ridiculous hour of the morning. Sunday, is tango day. I have then decided that I'll go along to another dancy thing at five, with the two tango girls.

Gah... ;)

woo hoo, spontaneous!

I called my new friend Sigrid & Tove from tango class to ask if they wanted to lindy tonight. Sigrid came along, and oh boy, she can improvise! I was impressed. I am constantly impressed how some of the guys there are so generous to beginners like me. Today I danced a lot and learned so much from a guy called Erik. Exciting. I'm considering going to the blues party although I have no clue how to dance the damn dance... Should I, or should I not. Erik claimed it was perfectly ok to just go along.
Hmm...

Another Thursday

This "going-dancing-when-I-really don't-know-how-yet" is fascinating, yet a bit scary. I have chosen to throw myself into this, head first. It's worked quite well so far, if you count some (or quite a lot of missteps). I have met alot of new people. Actually today we had a sub at school who is also a regular at the dance. Turns out she'd seen me there on Thursdays but I am bad at remembering faces and I can't recall seeing her there. But then again, most of the faces there are new to me. Luckily my courses start soon, so there will be some sort of order in this mish mash mess.

In the meantime she goes: rock step triple step, step step triple step...

And here's a funny cat saying HELLLEEEOOWWW! Listen, it's great!

A well deserved afternoon off

Work has nearly killed us all this week. Our colleagues have been off sick with some sort of flu with high fever as a result. The remaining staff has worked very hard to keep things running as smoothly as possible. This, however, involves covering for other teachers, doing the dishes in the dining room, tidying, taking care of our own lessons. It's been an exhausting few days. Sprits have been high, and we've had a good time, none the less.

Our boss was very nice and let us leave at noon today. Luckily, the sun is shining, so even though it's quite cold out today, it's been bliss sitting out on the balcony for the first time in a long time. I and Hugo enjoyed a lovely coffee in the sun. (I enjoyed the coffee, Hugo enjoyed the sun). The light does wonders for the soul.

dear santa

Please make my dream come true.

The Danish person who is reading my blog several times a day must lead a boring and pathetic life. I wish for that person to find something more useful to do with his or her time. I wish for him or her to do something intellectually stimulating. My blog surely can't provide that? I find it a big responsibility to keep that person entertained with happenings of my life. Please don't bother reading my blog anymore, I find it extremely annoying.

Thank you.

ground loop isolator and...wham!

I finally got around to buying a ground loop isolator for the speakers. It runs from computer to the amp and it basically kills the ground loop that causes a massive hum in my bose speakers. Hum no more! Quite cool! I'm not used to listening to music with this high bass level, hope the neighbor doesn't call the cops :) Now I need my dad's help with sorting cables. Question is: should I buy a new thing for TV to sit on before or not? Also, should I buy graphics card for studio because otherwise I may end up having to re-wire stuff later... gah, all these expenses.

Music music music!

Currently spinning: Xavier Rudd "Let me be"

TGI Friday!

4 teachers are off sick today, including both bosses. The five of us that are left have to organise the activities today. My boss called me at seven this morning, and I was exhausted. I was up until 3 in the morning watching a Herräng DVD, and I usually start at 10.40. Oh well. :) Weekend in a few hours. Phew. This weekend I will just hang out, tidy a bit and go to tango class. No other plans.

Thursday dance

I was a bit awkward today and felt really tired and worn out. I hadn't had any dinner either. I sat and watched, and i was surprised that so many people came up to me and talked to me, asked to dance etc, even girls! One girl, Klara, was particularly friendly. I talked alot and danced alot with a guy who is a piano player. Very nice evening actually. Next time will be easier, no doubt. I have gotten to know a few people quite well in just one week. One of them is Ingrid, who is really passionate about dancing. She danced with me today, and has lent me a DVD of Herräng Dance Camp since I will try to go there this year. She goes every year apparently. She has also promised me to show me the shim sham, (see videoclip). You can use that in your lindy routine. Mårten said tonight he'd lend me his Frankie Manning book. Looking forward to reading it!

Facing your fears

I don't know how to dance very well yet. I practise and I have it in me, and I know it will come to me once I start the course. But going dancing on thursdays now prior to course is really just to try it out and observe people dancing and to get to know people there. I did have a fantastic time last week and did a lot of dancing, but I'm quite scared today to be honest. It will go away soon, I expect.

Sigh. Deep breath.

The way you look tonight

I heard someone talk about inner beauty. I heard poets write about loving someone for what they are like as a person. I wonder, though, in real life, does it really work that way? I've gone out a fair bit recently and people comment constantly on how people look, instead of talking about more insteresting things. I was never that kind of person, and it always shocks me when I see other people, women of course, who has to comment on my or other peoples' appearance the first thing they do. Just a sign of insecurity? You know, walking into a room, spotting someone, then commenting on that person's body shape or clothes. It's actually irritating me. May I never fall into that trap. Oh no I won't, because trivial matters such as those never appealed to me really.

Go out there men and women, be happy with yourselves and you'll appear beautiful to others!

Bruce in great shape - again.

I'm currently in love with this song and one other one from Bruce Springsteen's new album. It rocks. BUY IT NOW!

When exercise becomes an addiction

I find it hard to stop moving. Not only through dancing, but also at the gym, on the bike - anywhere. It's becoming rather addictive. I almost go cold turkey on the days when I don't get exercise. Good or bad, I don't know.

Speaking of which, I think I'll give you my simple new recipe that I got from my friend Sara:

Sara's Delicious Pasta Salad:
rucola
olive oil
sea salt, freshly grinded black pepper
pamesan cheese
coctail tomatoes
black olives (good quality)
garlic
chestnut mushrooms

Fry mushrooms and garlic in olive oil. Add olives. In a saladbowl, put rucola, salt, pepper and grated parmesan. Mix. Boil pasta. In the meantime, slice tomatoes in half - add them to mushroom mixture just to get warm. When pasta is ready, toss that with the mushrooms in the pan. Combine everything in saladbowl and mix.

Ready, steady, cook!

Lund

I went to a practice night in Lund yesterday. Didn't dance. The songs were mostly a bit faster than usual, and plus, we didn't feel comfortable doing it, because everyone there had been dancing for ages, and we felt a bit out of place there. Thursday will be better in Malmö. The picture was taken before the dance in my colleague's apartment. We had delicious fish for dinner, some of us sitting on the floor, a bit Japanese-style.

Has anyone else noticed how quickly the diary (as in calendar) fills up??

How bizarre can life get?

Yes, I admit. It seems like dancing has taken over my life recently. I must say it's a fantastic means of expression - you live out all your feelings and emotions through it, plus you get the amazing music adrenaline rush. The fact that it makes you stay physically fit only adds as a bonus. It's also a fantastic way of learning to focus on one thing, and one thing only.

Yesterday I went to the first tango class. It was pretty cool. Very different. I met two nice girls there. Since none of us had a partner, we got to dance with the instructors. Yay... Luxoury! The teachers for the 10 week course are Ruben and Natalia (see photo). I danced with Natalia yesterday. Woo hoo! :)

Three gems.

Three things touched me to the core today. First, Tom and Debra's lindy hop routine with the fantastic song "Boogie Woogie on a Saturday Night". The performance is magnificent and the song is amazing. Don't you think?


Thirdly, I have regained admiration for Peter Stormare, whom I thought of previously to be a decent actor, but nothing more than your regular Hollywood star. Public Service television here in Sweden are showing a great production called "Stjärnorna på Slottet", in which five celebs are spending four days in a castle, beautifully located in Skåne. We get to know very different sides of their personalities, and today I was impressed by both Peter, who seems to be an amazing man, and Jan Malmsjö - creme de la creme!

Overload?!

Today three new things threw themselves at me, full force. My boss talked me into trying out tango tomorrow at jericho for free for an hour. I don't say no to that. Next thing I know someone from work wants me to go to Kallbadhuset and do this wintery swimming thing... I've always wanted to but never got around to doing it. Will do that tomorrow.

Those two things are big and new enough right? Well, someone called and booked a time to record for Catbay Productions, my recording studio. Phew...

I must lie down for a minute. Elvis, where are you?

Lindy Hop fever

Good news is that my friend has now agreed to come, finally, to the course. Phew. Made me very nervous there for a minute or two. :) I have been dancing lots at home on my own, so yesterday I took the bull by the horns and set off to Tangopalatset in high spirits. I met so many fun new people! I got to dance loads too, which surprised me. I thought you had to know the person you dance with or something. Turned out I was very wrong. I learned alot from Micke yesterday, he was great great great. Being a total rookie, it made me feel welcome there. I did much better on the dance floor than I thought I would. Maybe the feel for the music in combination with some practice has paid off a bit. I sure gained more confidence yesterday, that's for sure.

Mårten was iDJing, and I was chuffed that he chose to play "King of the Road" by the Proclaimers. Also cool to see that almost everybody was on the floor for that one!

If you are into swing dancing (oh lord, Im starting to feel religious...) there are enough events to keep you going for the week if you are up for it. Lund, Malmö and Copenhagen combined fills up most weeknights and weekends with HepCat events, should you wish to keep yourself busy.

We had a sub-teacher in my school, Johan, yesterday. Turns out he is taking the course as well. :) Funny ol' world.

Come fly with me!

dancing dilemma

Turns out that I may not be able to do the Lindy Hop intro-course in February, due to the partner pulling out. I have asked 3 other guys, but it's very hard to get men to come dancing proper stuff, it seems. Why so? It's the coolest, most awesome thing in the world! Everyone is a beginner at some stage.

I have practised a bit on my own and I don't intend to let this little misfortune prevent me from learning and having fun. I will do it, I always do what I set my mind to do. I will try to go on Thursdays and some Saturdays for a bit of practise, and see where that takes me.

Hats off cats!

Today was a crap day

Today was a superbly crappy day. I've rarely had one like it ever.
Period.

Gunhild, Ms Wonderful!

Just came home from a fantastic show at Konserthuset, Malmö. The Carling family & Co had put together an awesome show. As usual, they were completely outstanding. I have heard of Harlem Hot Shots before, but I had never seen them. They were fantastic and used lots of acrobatics in their dancing. My favourite moments were Gunhild playing the bagpipe (doh!), singing in the megaphone, and the final which was sponaneous - they all walked out through the audience still playing, and played in the foyer as we walked out, and blew us all away. The roof may or may not still be intact, however.

dance Dance DANCE!

I feel like I'll explode soon if I don't get to learn to swing to lindy hop quickly enough. Usually, Heptown coordinates various events on Thursdays here in Malmö, but there don't seem to be any until my course which is on Feb 9 and 10. Dimman will come along and we will dance between 11-16 both Saturday and Sunday. In addition to that, we will also be dancing on the same premises on that same Saturday evening/night when there is a club night where people dress up in their awesome retro gear. Must find a suitable drug that makes me cope with the tempo. :) In the meantime, I'll say thank god for Frankie Manning!

Would it not be so awesome to go to Herräng Dance Camp at some point, even if it's just for basics? It's all too exciting...

Gimme some of that!

Kisses a-plenty... Wouldn't that be sumthin´?

Lindy Hop at Tangopalatset

Wendy went out for dinner with Niall today. I didn't go. I did get some sausages, yummy! I met up with her afterwards outside Tangopalatset. I actually used to live on the opposite of this very building, not knowing this wonderful activity would take place there. We went indoors, and it was a reasonably quiet night with people practising. We had a few glasses of wine. I'm glad Wendy got to meet my friend Mårten. He can be very inspiring. I got to learn a few charleston moves from him today. Excellent. I am very eager to learn those. I also met and talked to Micke, a guy I talked to a bit on Facebook. Tonight was an absolutely splendid night. Really relaxing, and just great.
More of this please!
NB: That's not me and Mårten doing Charleston in the photo above, as you may already have noticed. ;)

Cold Copenhagen

Yesterday, Wendy and I went to Copenhagen by train. I haven't wished to go there in... forever. But today things felt right, and I missed the city, so off we went. We looked around some shops. Wendy being totally anti pirate as a fashion accessory, bought a pirate hat due to the snow and cold. Very hip and trendy! I bought a lovely sweater in Noa Noa. We went into this alleyway next to Stroget where we found a cute café - classic 17th Century art meets kitsch! After this lovely experience we went to celebrate both our birthdays in a quite nice restaurant with its not-so-service-minded staff. See post below.

Indian Taj

I had the most hideous bad-service encounter last night in an Indian restaurant in Copenhagen, Indian Taj. When I came home, I decided to write them a letter of complaint. Don't go there, whatever you do.

Hi,
Yesterday I ate in your restaurant. I loved the food and drink, everything was delicious. I did, however, find a long black piece of hair in my rice. I told staff about this and said I did not wish to pay the 29 kr for the rice, but everything else was perfect. The first person at the table had to call someone else over, and the other person wanted me to prove that I found the hair and asked me to show it! I was shocked! They were basically saying that I had to save the hair somewhere whilst enjoying my otherwise lovely meal to PROVE that I found it. This is rediculous service, also considering we paid 565 DKK for our meal altogether. To a)accuse me, by making me prove that I found the piece of hair and b) to make this fuss over 29 kr which the rice costed, when we loved the meal and would have quite happily come back is a disgrace to the business. I was embarrassed for my fellow Danes yesterday.

Needless to say, I won't be coming back.

Regards,
Lina

Welcome 2008!

I will do my best to make everyday as positive as possible this year. I love life, and I want to learn new things. My greatest passion is, and always was, music. I've started doing a little bit of lindy hop recently and have signed up for two courses. Today Wendy and I danced some lindy moves in my lovely kitchen to the notes of "King of the Road" by the Proclaimers. Fabuloso!
rock step, rock step, rock step, rock step
rock step, triple step, rock step, triple step
....
and she goes....
Get up and dance you lazy fools, and don't sit here reading my blog. But before you go, watch this Scottish dude singing King of the Road in his car. Then feel inspired to come alive.