I woke up by myself at 8 am. I looked out the window and realized that the weather was cloudy for the first time in about 2 weeks. Admittingly a bit bitter, my only day off couldn't be sunny after all this??, I went for my morning walk dressed in shorts and my first Michigan shirt. Wearing that shirt always makes me feel a bit nostalgic. I remember buying it before going to the football game in Ann Arbor with my friend Amy. It was a Saturday when UofM took on Indiana at the Michigan stadium. Ann Arbor was crowded with football fans having tail gate parties everywhere. Finding parking was impossible, but I was amazingly happy, and felt very American.
I started walking. Without music in my ears for a change. When I go for walks here in the country, I like just listening to the silence instead of listening to music. As I'd gotten about half way I heard something that first sounded like somebody running through the bushes, then it sounded like a car coming from the bushes. But it was neither it turned out. It was the rain. The rain that had been held back for two weeks and now decided it was time to get back at people in this area by drowning them. Including me. It took me two minutes to realize I was wet all through and that I might as well just keep on walking - the damage was done.
Had a swim in the rain once I got back. I love swimming in the rain. The water feels so warm if you jump into it when you're already wet. Then breakfast; yoghurt, fresh rasberries, strawberries and wild small strawberries that I picked on my walk. There's nothing like wild small strawberries that you pick in the ditches here. I tried to read the newspaper that I'd also picked up from our mailbox but it was a bit too wet and kind of fell apart when I tried to open it.
After breakfast, the weather changed. Bright sunshine, clear blue sky and no wind. Perfect.
I took on the boat. Washed it clean from all the dirt it had collected over the winter. Then I swam out and pulled all of the grass out from the cracks in out little raft that my sister and I jumped down in the water from when we were kids. Well, to be honest, I've jumped from it some today too. It took forever to get it done. But in the heat, working in the water is the best thing you can do.
I had lunch in a deck chair. Salad made from lettuce and spinach leaves, avocado, melon, red pepper, cucumber, feta cheese and just some balcamic vinegar and olive oil. I listened to the radio show "Sommar"; today it was presented by an actor who talked about her life, and I realized I agreed a lot with her view of our existance.
I put on an old CD with "Swedish summer favorites". May sound corny, but I love it. I made apple crumbler and vanilla sauce for my dad, had some myself and then fell asleep in the sun until he got back.
Sometimes summer can't be beat by anything in the world.
fredag 3 juli 2009
torsdag 2 juli 2009
Spanish vs Swedish vs Arabic
I love learning languages. I love listening to new languages, hearing the different sounds, that melodies, the intonation. And I'm fascinated by people's abilities to master 4 or 5 different languages, and switch between them just like that.
But. There's always a but. WHY on earth do people at my job, and I mean co-workers, speak Spanish to each other when they know I don't understand? It's like in kindergarden when people talked behind each others backs although it wasn't behind each others' backs because the art of whispering wasn't fully mastered. I mean come on! And I'm being serious here. Today I worked with two ladies. One in her fifties and one in her early thirties. They're both really good Swedish speakers although it's not their native language. And still, when the three of us were in a room together, sometimes they'd just skip to Spanish - mid sentence. Like I didn't hear. Like I wouldn't understand that the rest of the sentence probably wasn't meant for my ears. I think it's incredibly rude. I don't care if they speak Spanish to each other in the staff room or wherever, but when we're in charge of 10 people together, and I know that speaking Swedish isn't at all a problem, it pisses me off. Am I unreasonable or should it annoy you too?
But. There's always a but. WHY on earth do people at my job, and I mean co-workers, speak Spanish to each other when they know I don't understand? It's like in kindergarden when people talked behind each others backs although it wasn't behind each others' backs because the art of whispering wasn't fully mastered. I mean come on! And I'm being serious here. Today I worked with two ladies. One in her fifties and one in her early thirties. They're both really good Swedish speakers although it's not their native language. And still, when the three of us were in a room together, sometimes they'd just skip to Spanish - mid sentence. Like I didn't hear. Like I wouldn't understand that the rest of the sentence probably wasn't meant for my ears. I think it's incredibly rude. I don't care if they speak Spanish to each other in the staff room or wherever, but when we're in charge of 10 people together, and I know that speaking Swedish isn't at all a problem, it pisses me off. Am I unreasonable or should it annoy you too?
onsdag 24 juni 2009
Sing-a-long
Today was my first day at my new job. I was there three days last week too, but those days I shadowed a co-worker so today was my first day with real responsibilities. And I was so nervous. I started my shift at 7 am and I don't think I was sound alseep until 1 am last night.
But it went well. Most of the patients I cared for today have to have two people attending to them, so I always had somebody to ask about the one million little details that I don't know yet. It's especially hard since I'm a summer employee and will be working all the three units that belong to this ward. (Blue, green and yellow) That way I'm not getting to know the patients as well as the regulars which makes me not as efficient as would be needed sometimes. When I did my introduction, I did it on the blue and green unit, and of course I was assigned to the yellow one today. Just my luck. .
But anyways, the day passed by extremely quickly. We had our hands full all the time, and I got some of the older patients to light up a bit when I told them I sing in a choir. One really old one told me he went to the same music school as I did. Although he started in the 30s and I started in the 90s. So now I'm encouraged to sing all the time. That part is what I really like about this. To be able to share stories with and help people. At this job I actually feel like I'm there for a reason, and that my being there makes a difference for the people in the hospital. The other stuff isn't the funnest stuff on earth. But it needs to be done. And yes, sometimes it's pretty disgusting, I would be lying if I said otherwise. But at those times, I just try to focus on the fact that I'm the one in the better position. I don't have to lay there while somebody else is taking care of me because I'm to sick/injured/senile to do it myself.
Tomorrow I have to get up early again and since I didn't get much sleep last night, I'm now going to make sure do tonight.
Sleep well!
But it went well. Most of the patients I cared for today have to have two people attending to them, so I always had somebody to ask about the one million little details that I don't know yet. It's especially hard since I'm a summer employee and will be working all the three units that belong to this ward. (Blue, green and yellow) That way I'm not getting to know the patients as well as the regulars which makes me not as efficient as would be needed sometimes. When I did my introduction, I did it on the blue and green unit, and of course I was assigned to the yellow one today. Just my luck. .
But anyways, the day passed by extremely quickly. We had our hands full all the time, and I got some of the older patients to light up a bit when I told them I sing in a choir. One really old one told me he went to the same music school as I did. Although he started in the 30s and I started in the 90s. So now I'm encouraged to sing all the time. That part is what I really like about this. To be able to share stories with and help people. At this job I actually feel like I'm there for a reason, and that my being there makes a difference for the people in the hospital. The other stuff isn't the funnest stuff on earth. But it needs to be done. And yes, sometimes it's pretty disgusting, I would be lying if I said otherwise. But at those times, I just try to focus on the fact that I'm the one in the better position. I don't have to lay there while somebody else is taking care of me because I'm to sick/injured/senile to do it myself.
Tomorrow I have to get up early again and since I didn't get much sleep last night, I'm now going to make sure do tonight.
Sleep well!
tisdag 23 juni 2009
Exam results
The results from the exam we took May 29th are out.
To keep students from knowing each other's results we take so called: "Coded Exams". That means that prior to taking the test we're given a code to write down on every page on the exam along with name and the Swedish equivalent of a social security number, and once the results are published, only the codes are showing.
This time they forgot to give us the codes beforehand, so we were told to jot down the number on the desk we were sitting at at the time. I remember that I sat at desk # 75, thus my code was 75 and when the rumour that the results were out reached me, I went looking for the result for # 75. Well what do you know, 75 wasn't even on the list!
Either I've remembered the wrong number, which is kind of weird because I remembered my friend Anton's number correctly. Or my result just isn't registered which would be even worse. What more is, that it's impossible for me to figure this out right now since the semester is over. Had it been, let's say April, I'd be able to go into the secretary and ask for my exam. But since a) I'm in Stockholm and b) It's summer; I can't!
So, right now I can only pray that the result exists, that it's satisfactory and that I don't have to re-take the exam in August. That'd be such a drag I can't even begin to describe it.
Sometimes I truly wonder where my head is. Don't you?
To keep students from knowing each other's results we take so called: "Coded Exams". That means that prior to taking the test we're given a code to write down on every page on the exam along with name and the Swedish equivalent of a social security number, and once the results are published, only the codes are showing.
This time they forgot to give us the codes beforehand, so we were told to jot down the number on the desk we were sitting at at the time. I remember that I sat at desk # 75, thus my code was 75 and when the rumour that the results were out reached me, I went looking for the result for # 75. Well what do you know, 75 wasn't even on the list!
Either I've remembered the wrong number, which is kind of weird because I remembered my friend Anton's number correctly. Or my result just isn't registered which would be even worse. What more is, that it's impossible for me to figure this out right now since the semester is over. Had it been, let's say April, I'd be able to go into the secretary and ask for my exam. But since a) I'm in Stockholm and b) It's summer; I can't!
So, right now I can only pray that the result exists, that it's satisfactory and that I don't have to re-take the exam in August. That'd be such a drag I can't even begin to describe it.
Sometimes I truly wonder where my head is. Don't you?
måndag 22 juni 2009
The quest for spinning classes
A day off.
What do I do with a whole day off with nothing planned? The sun’s been shining, which makes me hope that the weather people finally understood that we’re in fact approaching July and not October.
Because the last three weeks has involved a lot of candy and ice cream and cake eating, I felt I needed to at least get to the gym. When I moved back from Uppsala for the summer I froze my gym card so that I wouldn’t need to pay for it during the summer. My plan was to just stay healthy and go for walks, do sit-ups and push-ups at home for the time spent in Stockholm, and then get back on track with my spinning and weight training once I got back to Uppsala. Well now that didn’t happen. I went crazy after about a week of walks and sit-ups and I started looking into the alternatives I had for getting some type of training during the summer. Since Stockholm isn’t a city built for poor students, everything here’s about twice as expensive as in Uppsala. After a lot of consideration I finally settled for getting a gym card at Friskis & Svettis. I went there during high-school and I didn’t really like it, but it’s definitely the cheapest alternative. And since I’m mostly into spinning these days, I wouldn’t need to attend the, in my opinion, pretty worthless aerobic sessions like I did before.
It turns out that this gym has a booking system for their classes. And what more is, it turns out that people seem to have a very great need for booking their classes in advance because pretty much ALL the spinning classes are full a week in advance. SO that means there are no classes for me to attend. This drives me insane as I’m a person who doesn’t function very well if I don’t get my daily dose of exercise. And I’ve paid quite a lot of money to be able to participate in the classes listed on the schedule, and then it comes down to me not being able to because they’re all full. I think this is almost fraud and I’m considering talking to the manager at the place and ask for my money back. However, I’m too much of a coward to actually go through with it.
That’s all for “Complaining Today” this beautiful Monday. I hope the sun will be as warm tomorrow.
Over and out!
What do I do with a whole day off with nothing planned? The sun’s been shining, which makes me hope that the weather people finally understood that we’re in fact approaching July and not October.
Because the last three weeks has involved a lot of candy and ice cream and cake eating, I felt I needed to at least get to the gym. When I moved back from Uppsala for the summer I froze my gym card so that I wouldn’t need to pay for it during the summer. My plan was to just stay healthy and go for walks, do sit-ups and push-ups at home for the time spent in Stockholm, and then get back on track with my spinning and weight training once I got back to Uppsala. Well now that didn’t happen. I went crazy after about a week of walks and sit-ups and I started looking into the alternatives I had for getting some type of training during the summer. Since Stockholm isn’t a city built for poor students, everything here’s about twice as expensive as in Uppsala. After a lot of consideration I finally settled for getting a gym card at Friskis & Svettis. I went there during high-school and I didn’t really like it, but it’s definitely the cheapest alternative. And since I’m mostly into spinning these days, I wouldn’t need to attend the, in my opinion, pretty worthless aerobic sessions like I did before.
It turns out that this gym has a booking system for their classes. And what more is, it turns out that people seem to have a very great need for booking their classes in advance because pretty much ALL the spinning classes are full a week in advance. SO that means there are no classes for me to attend. This drives me insane as I’m a person who doesn’t function very well if I don’t get my daily dose of exercise. And I’ve paid quite a lot of money to be able to participate in the classes listed on the schedule, and then it comes down to me not being able to because they’re all full. I think this is almost fraud and I’m considering talking to the manager at the place and ask for my money back. However, I’m too much of a coward to actually go through with it.
That’s all for “Complaining Today” this beautiful Monday. I hope the sun will be as warm tomorrow.
Over and out!
Back to business!
How about starting up this blog again?
It’s summer and I have nothing much to do but to work. And this could, once again, be used as a means to keep the English going and gather thoughts.
I suppose I owe you an update. Or, actually, I suppose you need one in case you want to be able to follow what’s currently going on in my life. And that is sort of a must if I want you to keep reading. Which of course I do.
Last time I wrote was November 26th, my 22nd birthday. I’d just started the Biochemistry course which had me panic struck at times, and pretty much destroyed my Christmas vacation. I did, however, really enjoy seeing old friends and family over the holidays, as well as revisiting a ski-resort area where I spent all my winter breaks as a child. Eventually, I did well on the Biochem exam and started a new semester by welcoming the new students in the same way that we were welcomed in the fall. I was one of three officers for these events, something that was decided at the PPK (the end of the initiation period party) dinner in the fall. The Biochem exam and the arranging of the initiation totally sucked the energy out of me as there were some pretty intense twists to the planning of all that. And, although I enjoyed every moment of it of once the circus was under way, I did get really sick and I was definitely rather relieved once the three weeks were over.
Study-wise this semester has been varied. We started with a cell biology course with some medical genetics and histology incorporated in it. It was interesting and quite fun at the beginning, but the further we got, the more I started to dislike it. I think it was because of the length of it all. It just never seemed to end, and towards the final days of studying for the exam, I was so sick of the material I could hardly stomach to even look at my books. But the test went well, although just the thought of it still gives me the chills. 7 hours and 7 questions.
Then it felt like spring came to Uppsala. And it came along with a pretty easy and mostly very interesting course; “Homeostasis and Endocrinology”. My view of the town of Uppsala changed quite a bit during this time, and I must admit I really like it now despite the cons of every smaller town in the world, that is the lack of anonymity. But it does live up it the spring, no question about that. Especially when it’s warm and sunny out. There are so many traditional events that take place in Uppsala during the spring. There’s Valborg, the Spring Prom, concerts with different choirs (Mine being one of them) the openings of different clubs and restaurants. Time just rushes by, and suddenly summer’s here, we’ve passed through more than half of June, Midsummer is over and all my friends have left Uppsala for summer jobs, travels and catching up with old friends.
I’m spending my summer at Danderyds Sjukhus, one of the big hospitals in Stockholm. I work as a nurses’ assistant at a unit for patients that are released from their medical treatment but in too poor a condition, physically or mentally, to be able to return back home. It’s a great opportunity for me as a med-student to see the health care system from this perspective and I’m learning a lot. I want to think it’ll make me a more humle and respectful doctor in the future. The job is frightening in many ways since I’m actually responsible for people’s lives for the first time in my life. It’s enriching knowledge wise because I’m a total newbee, and it’s hard, both physically and mentally. Watching some of these people and learning their tragic life stories sometimes just makes me want to cry. Knowing that my coming into work each morning could perhaps ease the lives of these poor people a little bit, makes it worth every second.
So that’s where I am as of right now. I’m looking forward to feeling more safe and grounded in my position at work, to see all my old friends and to just gather enough thirst for more medical knowledge so that I’ll feel energized enough to start up the second year of my med-school career.
Over and out
It’s summer and I have nothing much to do but to work. And this could, once again, be used as a means to keep the English going and gather thoughts.
I suppose I owe you an update. Or, actually, I suppose you need one in case you want to be able to follow what’s currently going on in my life. And that is sort of a must if I want you to keep reading. Which of course I do.
Last time I wrote was November 26th, my 22nd birthday. I’d just started the Biochemistry course which had me panic struck at times, and pretty much destroyed my Christmas vacation. I did, however, really enjoy seeing old friends and family over the holidays, as well as revisiting a ski-resort area where I spent all my winter breaks as a child. Eventually, I did well on the Biochem exam and started a new semester by welcoming the new students in the same way that we were welcomed in the fall. I was one of three officers for these events, something that was decided at the PPK (the end of the initiation period party) dinner in the fall. The Biochem exam and the arranging of the initiation totally sucked the energy out of me as there were some pretty intense twists to the planning of all that. And, although I enjoyed every moment of it of once the circus was under way, I did get really sick and I was definitely rather relieved once the three weeks were over.
Study-wise this semester has been varied. We started with a cell biology course with some medical genetics and histology incorporated in it. It was interesting and quite fun at the beginning, but the further we got, the more I started to dislike it. I think it was because of the length of it all. It just never seemed to end, and towards the final days of studying for the exam, I was so sick of the material I could hardly stomach to even look at my books. But the test went well, although just the thought of it still gives me the chills. 7 hours and 7 questions.
Then it felt like spring came to Uppsala. And it came along with a pretty easy and mostly very interesting course; “Homeostasis and Endocrinology”. My view of the town of Uppsala changed quite a bit during this time, and I must admit I really like it now despite the cons of every smaller town in the world, that is the lack of anonymity. But it does live up it the spring, no question about that. Especially when it’s warm and sunny out. There are so many traditional events that take place in Uppsala during the spring. There’s Valborg, the Spring Prom, concerts with different choirs (Mine being one of them) the openings of different clubs and restaurants. Time just rushes by, and suddenly summer’s here, we’ve passed through more than half of June, Midsummer is over and all my friends have left Uppsala for summer jobs, travels and catching up with old friends.
I’m spending my summer at Danderyds Sjukhus, one of the big hospitals in Stockholm. I work as a nurses’ assistant at a unit for patients that are released from their medical treatment but in too poor a condition, physically or mentally, to be able to return back home. It’s a great opportunity for me as a med-student to see the health care system from this perspective and I’m learning a lot. I want to think it’ll make me a more humle and respectful doctor in the future. The job is frightening in many ways since I’m actually responsible for people’s lives for the first time in my life. It’s enriching knowledge wise because I’m a total newbee, and it’s hard, both physically and mentally. Watching some of these people and learning their tragic life stories sometimes just makes me want to cry. Knowing that my coming into work each morning could perhaps ease the lives of these poor people a little bit, makes it worth every second.
So that’s where I am as of right now. I’m looking forward to feeling more safe and grounded in my position at work, to see all my old friends and to just gather enough thirst for more medical knowledge so that I’ll feel energized enough to start up the second year of my med-school career.
Over and out
onsdag 26 november 2008
Happy Birthday
Wow!
It sure has been a while since I was last here..
Can't quite believe this fall is already over and we're approaching the end of the year. I guess, the busier you are, the more swiftly time flies by.
School is a challenge. I think mostly because most of my class mates are very ambitious and so am I. And thus, we don't want to leave anything unread, and that's gonna kill us in the end! The course we just started after having taken the first two exams last Friday, is going to mean no spare time whatsoever. I don't understand how they think sometimes. The head of the department who runs this class is not my favorite man in the world. He surely has no sympathy, and it seems like he wants us to suffer, not to learn.
Today it's my birthday. I must say it's been rather weird being on my own in a new town on a birthday. It feels like I'm further away from all things familiar today than on any random day. Strange feeling to wake up without anybody there.
To conclude this post, I need to bitch about something. I don't think it's OK to, as a close friend, wish somebody happy birthday via facebook or SMS unless you're abroad or something. Do you? I think that today's technology has taken away from real friendships. Facebook is for keeping in touch wíth people far away, or finding out what happened to friends you haven't seen for years. Not for maintaining close relationships..
Over and out.
It sure has been a while since I was last here..
Can't quite believe this fall is already over and we're approaching the end of the year. I guess, the busier you are, the more swiftly time flies by.
School is a challenge. I think mostly because most of my class mates are very ambitious and so am I. And thus, we don't want to leave anything unread, and that's gonna kill us in the end! The course we just started after having taken the first two exams last Friday, is going to mean no spare time whatsoever. I don't understand how they think sometimes. The head of the department who runs this class is not my favorite man in the world. He surely has no sympathy, and it seems like he wants us to suffer, not to learn.
Today it's my birthday. I must say it's been rather weird being on my own in a new town on a birthday. It feels like I'm further away from all things familiar today than on any random day. Strange feeling to wake up without anybody there.
To conclude this post, I need to bitch about something. I don't think it's OK to, as a close friend, wish somebody happy birthday via facebook or SMS unless you're abroad or something. Do you? I think that today's technology has taken away from real friendships. Facebook is for keeping in touch wíth people far away, or finding out what happened to friends you haven't seen for years. Not for maintaining close relationships..
Over and out.
torsdag 18 september 2008
Histology and "Barbie Girl"
Could somebody please offer to take my histology exam for me?! After a brief lecture on the different structures we're required to find among our 200 examples where our tutor couldn't even find them, my current state has changed from calm to slightly panic struck.
But now I have to put all my focus on choreography and lyrics for tomorrow's performance at the "PPK"-party. I lead such a busy life! I'm glad it has some variation at least!
But now I have to put all my focus on choreography and lyrics for tomorrow's performance at the "PPK"-party. I lead such a busy life! I'm glad it has some variation at least!
onsdag 17 september 2008
Late
I know this post is long overdue. And I also know I really shouldn't write it. Because I don't have time, and I'm slowly realizing I never will anymore.
School has started for real now. And it's great fun, but my oh my do we have a lot to do! Well, for those of you who are born Americans and are used to that type of med-school, this might not seem like a lot. I don't have 15 quizzes and 13 exams this week. BUT what is hard is that the way my program is set up in a manner that has you work on like 15 things at the same time. I have 200 histological things I need to learn to find in a microscope, I have a case study about the circulation system to study for without any guidance from teachers as to what I'm supposed to read, I have lectures about cell biology and biochemistry, I have clinical things like measuring blood pressure to learn.. The list is endless..! AND I'm supposed to only study 8 hrs. a day, have time to work out (not this week as I'm sick), sing, plan skits for the big party on Friday, sleep and have time to party..! Because that's how it's supposed to be!
I'll be back when my voice is back to normal..
School has started for real now. And it's great fun, but my oh my do we have a lot to do! Well, for those of you who are born Americans and are used to that type of med-school, this might not seem like a lot. I don't have 15 quizzes and 13 exams this week. BUT what is hard is that the way my program is set up in a manner that has you work on like 15 things at the same time. I have 200 histological things I need to learn to find in a microscope, I have a case study about the circulation system to study for without any guidance from teachers as to what I'm supposed to read, I have lectures about cell biology and biochemistry, I have clinical things like measuring blood pressure to learn.. The list is endless..! AND I'm supposed to only study 8 hrs. a day, have time to work out (not this week as I'm sick), sing, plan skits for the big party on Friday, sleep and have time to party..! Because that's how it's supposed to be!
I'll be back when my voice is back to normal..
tisdag 2 september 2008
Day two Exhausted!
Two minutes off again inbetween classes and social activities. I don't quite understand how I'm supposed to keep up this tempo for two weeks, I'm already so exhausted. In a good way though. Today I believe we're supposed to walk around all the student bars downtown. Interesting since my group will have to interview a senior doctor tomorrow at 8am sharp. Probably won't drink in all the bars..!
We had a lecture today by a woman who graduated from med-school about three years ago. Her subject was what we can expect from the profession we've chosen. And all the things she brought up are reasons why I have decided to actually become a doctor. That felt good and very motivating, too. I really feel like I'm in the right place which is such a relief.
In terms of social connections, I think it will take a while for it to settle. I definitely talk to people, but I have yet to meet the group of friends that will make this time in my life so special. It's going to be so much fun to look back on these first two weeks and the way I saw people before knowing them at all.
Well, I have about 10 minutes to rest before I have to get going again, so I will!
We had a lecture today by a woman who graduated from med-school about three years ago. Her subject was what we can expect from the profession we've chosen. And all the things she brought up are reasons why I have decided to actually become a doctor. That felt good and very motivating, too. I really feel like I'm in the right place which is such a relief.
In terms of social connections, I think it will take a while for it to settle. I definitely talk to people, but I have yet to meet the group of friends that will make this time in my life so special. It's going to be so much fun to look back on these first two weeks and the way I saw people before knowing them at all.
Well, I have about 10 minutes to rest before I have to get going again, so I will!
måndag 1 september 2008
Day one!
Two words before I have to dash off to our dinner party that we found out about this morning after having been fooled by some upper classmen. It's been a great first day. I've found people I can talk to and laugh with, and even though I don't know if I've met my best friend for life among these people, I still know that I can be myself.
The ages are very mixed. In my group we have three people straight out of high-school (lucky ones) and two thirty-year-olds. The living situation differs a lot between different people, too. Some commute from stockholm, some sublet like I do, and some are just plain lucky with first-hand-contracts.
Have to go!
The ages are very mixed. In my group we have three people straight out of high-school (lucky ones) and two thirty-year-olds. The living situation differs a lot between different people, too. Some commute from stockholm, some sublet like I do, and some are just plain lucky with first-hand-contracts.
Have to go!
söndag 31 augusti 2008
In Uppsala
With an aching body I'm now stationed in my little room in Uppsala. It actually looks quite nice here, and I wish I didn't have to move out in 6 months. But, at least I'm here now, and I'll figure out the rest later.
My old apartment half an hour before the carrying started
It took me a while to get my internet connection to function, although it wasn't really the internet's fault - it was me who tried to get online by using a phone cable and not a LAN cable. I'm very grateful for entering med-school and not a technology program..!
All my stuff where it ended up after the carrying
I couldn't believe how much stuff I had in my tiny apartment in Stockholm, and what else is that I can't believe it's all in here now! Well, almost all of it. But it looks like a home at least! Not too crowded, but definitely not just like a room either.
My mother spoiled me rotten yesterday and filled up the fridge and the cabinets to the bursting limits! I have fruit for weeks, and fresh chicken, and sauces, and vegetables and bulgur and cous cous and everything that I'd never ever buy for myself. I won't need to go shopping for groceries in months.
Here's the result!
We also brought my toaster, water boiler and a microwave into my room. That way I won't need to go out in the joint kitchen to cook if I don't want to. It looks nicer today though. Somebody must've cleaned it yesterday. But it still is nice to have the option of staying in here. There may come a day when I'm sick or just too tired to get properly dressed. And then I can use all of these appliances. It really doesn't seem like people hang out in the kitchen here a lot anyways.
Well, I've decided to go to the gym at 2pm to check it out, and after that I guess I'll go home and try to print some pictures. My frames only have really old ones and I want to update! I also need to find the garbage room and the laundry room because my mother and I didn't manage to yesterday.
Well, I've decided to go to the gym at 2pm to check it out, and after that I guess I'll go home and try to print some pictures. My frames only have really old ones and I want to update! I also need to find the garbage room and the laundry room because my mother and I didn't manage to yesterday.
And then tomorrow is THE DAY! I can't believe it's already here and happening! It's too great to be true!
My window - The fruit aisle!
lördag 30 augusti 2008
Moving day!
It's moving day, it's moving day, it's moving day!!
And I'm not too tired, although yesterday around 4pm or so, I never thought I'd stand up again! These boxes and suitcases drive me crazy - and they're everywhere. And to add a little spice to it, my neighbours came up to my apartment to complain because I'd booked two times in the laundry room yesterday. I mean come on! I did it the same day, about 30 min. prior to the start of the next one. I love old ladies and old men in houses who're sitting at home all the time, not having anything to do but to watch out for the occational mistake made by a younger tenant. And then, enter mistake and "BAM" there they are with their notes handy. I wonder if they write them ahead of time!?
Anyways, I'm so excited! And my feet hurt from walking in high heels last night. I'll write again once I'm settled. And that may take about a month or so!
And I'm not too tired, although yesterday around 4pm or so, I never thought I'd stand up again! These boxes and suitcases drive me crazy - and they're everywhere. And to add a little spice to it, my neighbours came up to my apartment to complain because I'd booked two times in the laundry room yesterday. I mean come on! I did it the same day, about 30 min. prior to the start of the next one. I love old ladies and old men in houses who're sitting at home all the time, not having anything to do but to watch out for the occational mistake made by a younger tenant. And then, enter mistake and "BAM" there they are with their notes handy. I wonder if they write them ahead of time!?
Anyways, I'm so excited! And my feet hurt from walking in high heels last night. I'll write again once I'm settled. And that may take about a month or so!
fredag 29 augusti 2008
Thinking like a toddler
You know that feeling of knowing that you want something that you simply can't have. Something that you should've realized a long time ago that you don't need, that you do much better without. Like when you were a little kid and you wanted that particular toy, but you knew that once you had it, you'd just not like it so much anymore. But you still wanted it. Because it was so shiny, so much fun to play with, so wonderfully exciting and watching somebody else play with it just made your face "Elphaba green" with envy... I know that feeling a little too well right now.
Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl.
Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl
Ev'ry so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
Sudden silence, sudden heat
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl
He could be that boy
But I'm not that girl.
Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of who you are
Don't remember that rush of joy
He could be that boy
I'm not that girl
Ev'ry so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When reality sets back in
Blithe smile, lithe limb
She who's winsome, she wins him
Don't wish, don't start
Wishing only wounds the heart
-From the musical "Wicked"
torsdag 28 augusti 2008
Imagine there's no Heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today
You may say that I'm a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger
A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world
- John Lennon
I think this may be the best dance routine I've ever seen in my life. Watching it makes me want to do nothing but dance, and just screw my academic needs. But I also feel blessed for being able to still appreciate the arts, and for feeling so much only from watching something like this. This song really nails my thoughts right now. I need to just IMAGINE and believe that only good will come from the new era of my life. I know that the lyrics of John Lennon go much more profound than just one person's life. And I'm not really applying my constant train of thoughts these days to his lyrics. But the concept; the idea of a better future, a peaceful life, and a happy ending suits my mood really well right now.
Chocolate..
...seems to be what calms my nerves right now. I don't know about you, but when I'm nervous about something, I usually eat more. When I'm really stressed out or sad, I tend to eat less. I suppose I'm nervous right now, because seriously I'm eating waay too much. But I figure it's OK, since it's my last week of "nothing to do" and no school in at least 5,5 years.
I also suppose it's OK, because the kitchen in the hall I'll be living in is about the grossest thing I ever saw. So I'll most definitely never cook any elaborate meals while living there. I'm bringing my own toaster and water boiler to keep in my room. That way I can make noodles and toast and soup without having to leave my room.
I was realizing today, that I haven't lived for real in any place longer than 6 months since I graduated from high-school. And next year will be no exception since I can only sublet this room for a semester.
I went up to Uppsala today (didn't get lost!) to drop off one big suitcase, pay the membership fee for the student union, become a member of "Östgöta nation" and get a gym card. I figured the sooner I get a gym card the better, because if there's something that can ease my mind, it's an hour in spinning class or something similar. I've been to the gym every day this week, and 5 days last week and it's keeping me focused, energized and calm. I wish it could make me lose the "summer pounds" as well, but as usual, exercise won't do that to my body. Eating less will though, hopefully, and I suppose that will happen naturally once school starts.
I met some people in my hall and they seemed nice. It also seems to be a fairly calm corridor which I judge is good. Parties, yes please, but not in my hall! I like to have the option not to be surrounded by drunk people and loud music. I leave that for Östgöta nation! I'm so excited about the student life in Uppsala!
Tomorrow I'll have to do EVERYTHING that's left to do. And hopefully we'll party it up for real tomorrow night, because it's my last night as an actual resident of the Swedish capital for at least 5,5 years!
I also suppose it's OK, because the kitchen in the hall I'll be living in is about the grossest thing I ever saw. So I'll most definitely never cook any elaborate meals while living there. I'm bringing my own toaster and water boiler to keep in my room. That way I can make noodles and toast and soup without having to leave my room.
I was realizing today, that I haven't lived for real in any place longer than 6 months since I graduated from high-school. And next year will be no exception since I can only sublet this room for a semester.
I went up to Uppsala today (didn't get lost!) to drop off one big suitcase, pay the membership fee for the student union, become a member of "Östgöta nation" and get a gym card. I figured the sooner I get a gym card the better, because if there's something that can ease my mind, it's an hour in spinning class or something similar. I've been to the gym every day this week, and 5 days last week and it's keeping me focused, energized and calm. I wish it could make me lose the "summer pounds" as well, but as usual, exercise won't do that to my body. Eating less will though, hopefully, and I suppose that will happen naturally once school starts.
I met some people in my hall and they seemed nice. It also seems to be a fairly calm corridor which I judge is good. Parties, yes please, but not in my hall! I like to have the option not to be surrounded by drunk people and loud music. I leave that for Östgöta nation! I'm so excited about the student life in Uppsala!
Tomorrow I'll have to do EVERYTHING that's left to do. And hopefully we'll party it up for real tomorrow night, because it's my last night as an actual resident of the Swedish capital for at least 5,5 years!
onsdag 27 augusti 2008
I should've continued with the body pump classes..
.. because my arms sure can't handle all of this carrying and wrapping and carrying and wrapping. I'm seriously shaking, and I haven't even really started yet! Today I've emptied my book shelf and my drawers, I've brought 5 moving boxes back to my house from the store, and I've wrapped almost all the plates and glasses that I'm going to bring. Since we have a joint kitchen I don't really need to bring any of that stuff, but I still want to. You can never estimate the cleanliness of a Swedish dorm until you've seen it, so I'll play it safe. Before I go to bed tonight I've promised myself to pack a suitcase with clothes and to go get my bike that I had to leave behind in order to bring those boxes home.
Tomorrow I've schedule a 6.30 am class at the gym. After that I've planned to take the car and get some stuff from the apartment and with the car loaded, try to get to Uppsala. I'm not sure I'll make it. Well, I'll make it to Uppsala alright, but I'm positive I'll get lost pretty quickly once I'm there. I have some small errands I want to get done there before the semester actually starts, and since a lot of things are closed on Sundays, I need to do it tomorrow. I'll bring some clothes, some cleaning supplies and some school stuff over tomorrow. The rest needs a big van or truck or something, and my parents will help with that on Saturday.
Wow. I still can't believe this is all happening!
Tomorrow I've schedule a 6.30 am class at the gym. After that I've planned to take the car and get some stuff from the apartment and with the car loaded, try to get to Uppsala. I'm not sure I'll make it. Well, I'll make it to Uppsala alright, but I'm positive I'll get lost pretty quickly once I'm there. I have some small errands I want to get done there before the semester actually starts, and since a lot of things are closed on Sundays, I need to do it tomorrow. I'll bring some clothes, some cleaning supplies and some school stuff over tomorrow. The rest needs a big van or truck or something, and my parents will help with that on Saturday.
Wow. I still can't believe this is all happening!
tisdag 26 augusti 2008
Excited and worried
Only four days now!
I keep getting a flow of information sent to my apartment about the traditions in Uppsala and I'm so happy that's where I'm going to school! I can't wait for spring proms, or "song book night" or other similar parties.
But there's also so much to do. I'm trying to figure out how much space I actually have in my tiny dorm room, what to bring and what I need to buy here before I leave.
I part of me is getting a little frightened. What if I don't find any friends and just have to go alone to all of these things? What if my hall is horrible and my class extremely boring? What if I'm not smart or motivated enough?
I keep getting a flow of information sent to my apartment about the traditions in Uppsala and I'm so happy that's where I'm going to school! I can't wait for spring proms, or "song book night" or other similar parties.
But there's also so much to do. I'm trying to figure out how much space I actually have in my tiny dorm room, what to bring and what I need to buy here before I leave.
I part of me is getting a little frightened. What if I don't find any friends and just have to go alone to all of these things? What if my hall is horrible and my class extremely boring? What if I'm not smart or motivated enough?
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